Inuusuttuit Nipingit Nuliarniup Mitsaanut Inuit Youth's Voices on Sexual Health Preliminary Analysis
Abstract
Research objective and design: Inuit voices on sexual health is a qualitative analysis of interview transcripts of conversation with Inuit youth on sexual health. This reports on preliminary findings. A grounded theory approach was used to draw themes emerging from discussions about sex and sexual health with Inuit youth; subsequently, themes useful to guide research or program development were explored in more details. Population and sampling: Inuit youth 16 to 26 years were recruited using convenience sampling. Participants included 12 young men and 23 young women from three communities in Nunavik, the northern part of Quebec, Canada Methods of data collection: Conversational interviews with youth 16-26 were conducted by the Nunavik Board of Health and Social Services (NBHSS) in the summer 2015. Transcripts of those interviews were obtained through the NBHSS for secondary data analysis. Data analysis: Transcripts were coded using QSR International's NVivo 11 Software. An exploratory inductive grounded theory approach was used to generate findings. Findings: Most youth interviewed had sought sexual health care, and many disclosed having had a sexually transmittable inflection (STI). Embarrassment and possible breach of confidentiality were the two main barriers to care-seeking behaviours. Psycho-social complications emerging with the diagnosis of an STI were important, particularly in relationships with violent dynamics. Alcohol abuse was named as the main factor contributing to STI's through increasing at-risk behaviours, particularly having numerous partners or not using a condom. Education was identified as needed to empower youth and allow improved decision-making. While schools, nursing station and internet are used to gather sexual health information, few youth discussed sexual health topic with family / older adults in the community. Conclusions: Assets in the fight against STIs include the unique role of northern healthcare workers and their ties to community, the window of opportunity that arises with the diagnosis of STI and the value given to education. Substance abuse, intimate partner violence, and the restoration of dialogue about health and sexuality within communities need to be better understood, and addressed.
Subject Area
Public health
Recommended Citation
Morin, Veronique, "Inuusuttuit Nipingit Nuliarniup Mitsaanut Inuit Youth's Voices on Sexual Health Preliminary Analysis" (2017). Texas Medical Center Dissertations (via ProQuest). AAI10615400.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dissertations/AAI10615400