The following is an excerpt from a small group discussion on Sexual Health at the: MIGRANT AGRICULTURAL WORKER’S HUMAN RIGHTS AND HEALTH CONFERENCE Organized by The Industrial Accident Victim’s group of Ontario (IAVGO), Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS) and Justicia for Migrant Workers (J4MW). Other Funding and Project Partners include the Law Foundation of Ontario, the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
(MAY 17 – 18, 2012, RAMADA PLAZA HOTEL)
MAY 17, 2012 AM ROUNDATABLES – SEXUAL HEALTH Participants: Eight service providers and volunteers who work with migrant farm workers in Ontario Main Discussion Points: KEY POINT 1: Barriers and Problems on Sexual Health of Migrant Farm Workers and Health care Provider.
Sexual Health is not commonly addressed as a primary issue in healthcare. Very sensitive issue to discuss with migrant farm workers. Lack of Access to Sexual Health care because of the following concerns/reasons: 1. Transportation – most clinics are far from where the workers are. Ex. Location of Hassle Free Clinics for HIV/AIDS and STI testing. 2. Mobility – since most workers are temporary, they might opt to not take any health care until they go back to their home country. 3. No Education on sexual health provided / Lack of information. “Where and how to get it?” 4. Language Barrier 5. Fear. Disclosing health conditions might result to termination and repatriation. 6. Intimacy issues. Ex. Married men having affairs with co-workers, would not be open on discussing sexual activities and STI’s.
Cultural Barriers. 1. Workers Value setting. Traditional families are often reluctant to teach family members about sexual health. To some, sexual health issues are taboo still.