Profile and Utilization Patterns of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Sub-Saharan Migrant Women in Tunis

Published: September 25, 2025
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Abstract

Introduction: In light of increasing migratory flows, it is crucial to identify the specific needs of migrant women in gynecology and obstetrics, given their sociodemographic and health characteristics, which differ from those of the Tunisian population. This study aims to describe their sociodemographic profile, the main reasons for consultation in sexual and reproductive health, compare local trends with national data, and propose recommendations for improved medical and financial care. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted from January to December 2024 at the regional center of the National Office for Family and Population (ONFP) in Bardo. It included migrant women who attended consultations during this period, while incomplete records were excluded. Data were collected from consultation forms and covered sociodemographic characteristics, medical and gynecological-obstetric history, reasons for consultation, diagnoses, and therapeutic decisions. All data were entered and analyzed statistically. Results: The average age of the patients was 28.4 years. Among the 768 women included, 80.9% were from sub-Saharan Africa, 89.5% were single, 52% were employed, 34.8% were students, and 13.2% were unemployed. Regarding educational level, 40.1% had completed secondary education, 28.5% had a university degree, and 14.7% were illiterate. The main reasons for consultation were as follows: voluntary termination of pregnancy (67%), family planning (25.3%), perinatal care (1.9%), sexually transmitted diseases (1.4%), and genital cancers (2.7%). Information, education, and communication (IEC) activities included sessions on family planning (56.3%), risk behaviors (31.3%), puberty and adolescence (4.2%), sexually transmitted diseases (3.3%), perinatal health (3.5%), and genital cancers (1.3%). Conclusion: This study highlights the characteristics and priority reproductive health needs of migrant women in Tunis. An integrated and accessible care strategy, combined with targeted awareness-raising, is essential to effectively respond to this growing demand.

Published in Abstract Book of ICPHMS2025 & ICPBS2025
Page(s) 24-24
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access abstract, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Migrant Women, Sub-Saharan, Africa, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Health Service Utilization, Family Planning, Tunisia