Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore reproductive health issues of female refugees and asylum seekers who resettled in Japan.
Method
Data were generated from a purposive sample of seven female refugees and asylum seekers, who were in the reproductive ages of 15-49 years and affiliated with an organization assisting displaced persons. Semi-structured interviews were conducted through interpreters. Qualitative data analysis was guided by content analysis. Strict confidentiality and anonymity was maintained.
Results
Female refugees and asylum seekers experienced complex difficult conditions in Japan. They either felt they had nowhere to go or this was the one and only place to live. Their life was characterized as terrible loneliness, and only religion gave them a sense of well-being. In their own country they had lost reproductive health and rights because of the social and economic situation. After they came to Japan, they used sexual activity as a means of relating with men to assuage their deep loneliness. As the result of casual unprotected sexual activities, five female refugees and asylum seekers in this study became single mothers. Even though they had little income, their religion drove their decision to have babies. After having babies, their emotional involvement relied most heavily on their children, and they found joy and happiness in their life.
On behalf of improving their reproductive health and rights in Japan, healthcare professionals need to personally attend to the refugee women. It is also necessary for healthcare professionals to learn and understand refugee women's background and why returning to their country of origin could be very dangerous; health care professionals should not necessarily recommend returning to their previous country even if the women's health condition is critical. Providing information relating to healthcare services in Japan is a significant point as well as caring for refugee women.
Conclusion
Female refugees and asylum seekers using the Japanese health care system were disadvantaged due to their status and gender. They felt loneliness and isolated because of their difficulty relating with the Japanese culture. Their problems were interwoven and complex and included economical, educational and psychological issues; likewise reproductive healthcare was limited leaving them vulnerable. Japan as a host country should consider developing reception systems for accepting refugees and asylum seekers for improving their life.
