A comprehensive new study led by researchers from the University of British Columbia has uncovered significant and concerning trends in sexual health behaviors among migrant adolescents in Canada. The research, which analyzed data collected over an eight-year span from a nationally representative sample of 15- and 16-year-olds, reveals that while migrant youth tend to be less sexually active compared to their Canadian-born counterparts, there is a troubling decrease in contraception use within this group. This decline raises important questions about the systemic barriers affecting sexual health education and healthcare accessibility for newcomer adolescents, emphasizing the need for tailored and culturally sensitive interventions.
The investigation utilized data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) surveys from 2014, 2018, and 2022, encompassing responses from more than 30,000 young individuals. Such a robust dataset allowed researchers to identify distinct behavioral patterns related to sexual activity and contraceptive usage among migrant versus non-migrant youth in Canada. Employing rigorous statistical analyses, the study accounted for demographic variables and temporal trends to provide a detailed portrait of evolving sexual health practices over nearly a decade.
One of the most striking revelations of the study was a marked decline in contraception use among sexually active migrant adolescents. Specifically, in 2022, migrant males reported significantly higher rates of unprotected sexual encounters compared to previous years, with condom use showing a pronounced decrease since 2014. In contrast, the sexual health behaviors of non-migrant male adolescents remained relatively stable during the same period. Moreover, migrant females consistently reported lower use of oral contraceptive pills across all survey years examined. The combined use of dual contraception methods—condoms coupled with hormonal birth control—also showed a decreasing trajectory in both male and female migrant youth, further widening the gap between newcomer and Canadian-born adolescents.
The underlying factors contributing to these trends were illuminated by insights from a 21-member advisory group comprising migrant youth themselves. These young advisors highlighted the complex cultural, social, and logistical challenges they face. Many newcomers arrive in Canada during critical years of their schooling and consequently miss foundational sex education offered in Canadian schools. Additionally, cultural stigmas surrounding contraception act as significant deterrents to open discussion and use within some families. Language barriers and fears related to confidentiality within healthcare settings compound these issues, creating an environment in which migrant youth struggle to access accurate information and reliable contraceptive methods.
The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have exacerbated these issues, as underscored by the steep declines in contraceptive use noted in the 2022 survey data. Public health restrictions, stay-at-home orders, and the consequent reduction in privacy likely made it more difficult for adolescents to seek sexual health services confidentially. Disruptions in healthcare availability during the pandemic period may also have limited access to contraception and counseling, particularly for vulnerable populations such as migrant youth.
Lead author Dr. Daniel Ji, affiliated with the University of Regina’s faculty of social work and previously a postdoctoral researcher at UBC, contextualizes these findings within broader systemic frameworks. Policies and programs have not adequately accounted for the nuanced realities of migrant teens, many of whom miss initial schooling stages in Canada and lack culturally responsive sexual health resources. The stigmatization of contraception in certain cultures further erects barriers that are not easily addressed by generic public health messaging.
Senior author Dr. Elizabeth Saewyc, director of UBC’s Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre, emphasizes the urgent need for inclusive and sustained sexual health education strategies. Current school curricula often provide one-off sessions rather than continuous, developmentally appropriate education throughout adolescence. For newcomer youth who may have missed earlier education, supplementary, culturally sensitive programming is essential to bridge knowledge gaps and empower informed decision-making regarding sexual health.
The study’s findings underscore the critical role of healthcare accessibility, particularly the availability of youth-friendly, confidential sexual health services. Provinces such as British Columbia offer free or low-cost contraception to young people, but awareness and utilization of these resources among migrant adolescents remain insufficient. Removing logistical and linguistic barriers—and fostering trust—are vital steps towards increasing contraceptive uptake in this group.
Another important recommendation arising from the research is the active involvement of young people in shaping sexual health programs and policies. Given their lived experiences and unique perspectives, migrant youth can identify practical approaches to improve education and service delivery. Incorporating their voices ensures that interventions resonate with their cultural contexts and address real-world challenges they encounter.
Beyond individual programs, addressing systemic inequities in sexual health education and healthcare access requires policy-level commitment. Stakeholders must invest in research-informed, equity-driven frameworks that acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and needs of migrant populations. Only through collaborative, multidisciplinary efforts can public health initiatives effectively promote sexual well-being among these vulnerable adolescents.
This study contributes critical evidence to the growing recognition that migrant youth face unique barriers that adversely influence their sexual health outcomes. Rather than attributing declining contraception use to personal choice or behavioral deficits, the findings highlight how structural factors—such as education timing, cultural stigmas, and healthcare system limitations—undermine sexual health equity. Bridging these divides is essential to supporting newcomer adolescents’ overall health, autonomy, and integration into Canadian society.
The research was supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund under the project “Migration in the 21st Century: Bridging Divides.” This initiative aims to illuminate various facets of immigrant health and well-being, providing actionable insights to improve public policies and service designs for diverse migrant communities.
In conclusion, this landmark study urges health educators, policymakers, and practitioners to reimagine sexual health education and services for Canada’s migrant youth. Comprehensive, culturally relevant, and sustained outreach combined with the removal of systemic obstacles can empower these young individuals to make safe, informed choices. In doing so, Canada can uphold its commitment to inclusive health equity and foster stronger, healthier generations to come.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Sexual health behavior trends in a nationally representative sample of Canadian migrant adolescents from 2014 to 2022
News Publication Date: 2-Sep-2025
Web References:
- Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey: https://hbsc.org/
- Article DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23966-9
References:
Ji, D., Saewyc, E., et al. Sexual health behavior trends in a nationally representative sample of Canadian migrant adolescents from 2014 to 2022. BMC Public Health, 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-23966-9
Image Credits: Lou Bosshart
Keywords: Adolescents, Sex education, Birth control
