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Sexuality Research and Social Policy

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21-05-2022

The Development of the Framework of Integrated Reproductive and Sexual Health Theories (FIRSHT) to Contextualize Indigenous Women’s Health Experiences

Authors: Jessica L. Liddell, Catherine E. McKinley

Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy | Issue 3/2022

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Abstract

Introduction

Indigenous women experience extensive reproductive health disparities and reproductive oppression. Theoretical frameworks for understanding the complex intersection of factors that contribute to these experiences are needed, especially those that highlight the resilience of Indigenous peoples throughout settler colonialism. The purpose of this article is to explore the empirical development of the Framework of Integrated Reproductive and Sexual Health Theories (FIRSHT) to contextualize and understand the reproductive and sexual health experiences of Indigenous women.

Methods

The FIRSHT was developed through a qualitative descriptive research study with 31 Indigenous women from a Gulf Coast tribe. Interviews were conducted in 2018 and 2019. The first author partnered with a community-advisory board throughout the research project, and in the dissemination of results to tribal members.

Results

After presenting a snapshot of the overarching results, we discuss how the FIRSHT incorporates key components of the reproductive justice, resilience, Indigenous critical theory, life course and eco-systemic theoretical frameworks. The proposed framework conceptualizes the interrelationship of factors that impact women’s reproductive and sexual health experiences.

Discussion

This research fills a gap in the need for holistic understandings of Indigenous women’s reproductive and sexual healthcare required for the development of interventions that not only address social justice issues and weaknesses in the healthcare system but also promote the existing strengths and resources in Indigenous communities.

Policy Implications

This theoretical framework may be useful for researchers interested in studying the reproductive and sexual health experiences of Indigenous women, who desire a holistic and strengths-based framework.

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next article Vulnerability Analysis in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) — Indications of Intersecting Vulnerable Positions in a National Survey Among Young People in Sweden

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Title: The Development of the Framework of Integrated Reproductive and Sexual Health Theories (FIRSHT) to Contextualize Indigenous Women’s Health Experiences
Authors: Jessica L. Liddell
Catherine E. McKinley
Publication date: 21-05-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Sexuality Research and Social Policy / Issue 3/2022
Print ISSN: 1868-9884
Electronic ISSN: 1553-6610
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-022-00693-z

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Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Policy Implications

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