# Awareness and utilization of Swedish youth clinics among migrants enrolled in Swedish language programmes: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study finds that migrant youth in Sweden have limited awareness and use of youth clinics, with significant differences based on gender, migration status, and legal residency.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific socio-demographic factors associated with awareness and utilization of youth clinics among migrants in Swedish language programs.

## Key findings

- 30% of participants and 40% of those aged 15–25 had heard of youth clinics.
- Migrant men and unaccompanied minors are more likely to be aware of and use youth clinics than migrant women and those with legal guardians.
- Recent migrants and those with temporary residence permits are at higher risk of being unaware of or not using youth clinics.

## Abstract

Previous research has highlighted inequalities in access to Swedish youth clinics (YCs). These inequalities exist not only between non-migrant and young migrant populations but also within various migrant groups.

To assess awareness and utilization of Swedish YCs among migrants enrolled in Swedish language programmes and explore associated factors.

This cross-sectional study involved 1,112 migrants aged 15−65. The analytical sample included 642 (57%) participants who answered the main outcome question about awareness of YCs. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate log-binomial regression analyses using a Bayesian approach were applied to summarize the data and identify factors associated with awareness and utilization of YCs among migrants.

The results revealed that 30% of all participants and 40% of the participants aged 15–25 years had heard of YCs. Additionally, 23% of the target group (15−25 years) had ever visited one. During descriptive and bivariate analyses, socio-demographic variations were evident in YCs’ awareness and utilization. However, in multivariate analyses, only the associations between awareness and year of arrival, and YCs’ utilization and year of arrival and type of residence permit, remained statistically significant.

This study highlights the level of awareness of YCs among migrants attending Swedish language programmes and their utilization by those aged 15−25 years, potentially impacting their access to crucial services and resources. Targeted interventions and sustainable strategies beyond one-time interventions are essential to address the specific needs of different socio-demographic groups and ensure equitable access to YCs’ information and services.

Main findings: This study highlights the level of awareness and utilization of youth clinics among migrants attending Swedish language programmes, revealing socio-demographic disparities across different groups.Added knowledge: Migrant men and unaccompanied minors are more likely to be aware of and use youth clinics than migrant women and those with legal guardians, while recent migrants and those with temporary residence permits are at an increased risk of being unaware of or not utilizing these services.Global health impact for policy and action: Targeted interventions and sustainable strategies, beyond one-time efforts, are essential to address the specific needs of different migrant subgroups and ensure equitable and universal access to crucial information and services related to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Main findings: This study highlights the level of awareness and utilization of youth clinics among migrants attending Swedish language programmes, revealing socio-demographic disparities across different groups.

Added knowledge: Migrant men and unaccompanied minors are more likely to be aware of and use youth clinics than migrant women and those with legal guardians, while recent migrants and those with temporary residence permits are at an increased risk of being unaware of or not utilizing these services.

Global health impact for policy and action: Targeted interventions and sustainable strategies, beyond one-time efforts, are essential to address the specific needs of different migrant subgroups and ensure equitable and universal access to crucial information and services related to sexual and reproductive health and rights.