Access to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare: The Experiences of International Muslim Female Students at the University of Alberta

Annually, a significant number of international students from diverse countries enroll at the University of Alberta for undergraduate and graduate-level studies. Notably, the enrollment of Muslim international students has been on the rise in recent years. Among this population, female students constitute a substantial portion. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding their experiences accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care in Alberta. Despite the Canadian healthcare system ensuring equal access to reproductive healthcare for all women, certain disparities persist for various groups. Understanding the factors influencing international Muslim female students’ access to SRH services is crucial for ensuring their well-being and enhancing their quality of life, particularly for newcomers. By adopting an intersectional feminist theoretical framework, I explored the multifaceted experiences of international Muslim female students at the University of Alberta in accessing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. This study investigates the complex interplay of identities—specifically gender, religion, and international student status—and how these intersecting aspects influence these students’ interactions with SRH services. As international students, these women navigate unique challenges that often intersect with their cultural and religious backgrounds, leading to distinct healthcare needs and barriers that existing healthcare systems in Canada inadequately address. As a qualitative study, I conducted in-depth interviews with participants to gain a nuanced understanding of their experiences and perceptions regarding SRH services. The recruitment process resulted in a cohort of 20 participants, consisting of 14 individuals for individual interviews and six for focus group interviews. I hosted the focus group discussion. Recruitment efforts targeted international Muslim female students from various academic programs and backgrounds to ensure a diverse sample that could represent a range of perspectives. Ethical considerations were carefully addressed, with measures taken to ensure confidentiality and to protect the anonymity of participants, given the sensitive nature of SRH topics. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and interpret recurring themes across the interviews. This approach involved systematically coding the data, followed by grouping codes into broader themes that reflected participants' experiences and challenges in accessing SRH services. The interviews offered insight into how religious beliefs, cultural stigmas, and concerns about confidentiality affect students' willingness and comfort in accessing SRH services. Participants expressed a variety of concerns related to SRH, ranging from reproductive autonomy and privacy to the perceived lack of culturally sensitive resources in campus and community healthcare settings. Furthermore, participants pointed out language barriers and voiced concerns about the Canadian healthcare system and its limitations. In this thesis, I argue that the Canadian healthcare model inadequately addresses the intersectional needs of international Muslim women. This gap not only impacts healthcare accessibility but also contributes to students’ overall sense of isolation and challenges in navigating a foreign healthcare environment that does not meet their expectations or understanding of SRH. The implications of this research are twofold. First, it underscores the importance of developing SRH services that are both accessible and inclusive, emphasizing that healthcare providers should be trained to recognize and accommodate the diverse backgrounds of international students. This includes integrating culturally appropriate practices, improving language accessibility, and ensuring that healthcare spaces foster a sense of trust and respect for Muslim female students. Second, the study advocates for policy changes at the institutional level, encouraging universities to adopt a more intersectional approach to student health services, particularly those related to SRH. By doing so, universities can better support the well-being and academic success of their diverse student populations. In conclusion, this research contributes to the growing body of literature on intersectionality in healthcare access and demonstrates the need for a more inclusive, culturally sensitive approach for international Muslim female students in Canada. By addressing the specific barriers they face, this study provides insights that could lead to the development of SRH services that genuinely respect and respond to the diverse needs of students, fostering a supportive environment that aligns with Canada’s commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity.

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