What are the sexual and reproductive health literacy needs and preferences of international students in Australia?

International students often face challenges such as cultural differences, language barriers, employment, and housing issues after moving to a new country, impacting their health and wellbeing. Studying abroad also allows students to experience new cultures, develop self-autonomy, and explore sexual behaviour and relationships with fewer constraints. This makes them more susceptible to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues, including unintended pregnancy, abortion, and sexually transmitted infections. They often face challenges in accessing SRH information and services due to cultural and religious norms, limited SRH knowledge, lack of awareness of specific health services, language barriers, cost of services, and stigma associated with utilising these services. However, little is known about the sexual and reproductive health literacy needs and preferences of international students in the Australian context. Through a literature review and interviews with international students in Australia, this research will explore their sexual and reproductive health literacy needs and preferences. Understanding these needs and preferences will be crucial in informing and designing future resources and programs to enhance SRH literacy and promote health equity for international students. This project sits within SPHERE, an NHMRC funded Centre of Research Excellence in Sexual and Reproductive Health for Women in Primary Care. SPHERE is led by Professor Danielle Mazza and supported by multidisciplinary students and researchers in the Department of General Practice. The successful candidate will have opportunity to be part of this team with support from supervisors.