Access to information for migrants

The anonymous, randomized study was conducted in seven languages. 6,263 individuals with different migration histories and different (or non-existent) residence status were asked about their knowledge on topics such as Swedish abortion law, HIV and other STIs, protection strategies, contraception, risk behavior or the connection between mental and sexual health.

• 39% knew that a condom is sufficient to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
• 68% knew that the use of condoms reduces the risk of HIV infection.
• 77% did not know that HIV treatment is available.
• 52% did not know that a pregnant woman with HIV and without successful treatment can infect her baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In particular, migrants who had not previously received any sex education, as well as people who said they were Muslim and/or from the Middle East, were unaware that condoms prevent unwanted pregnancy. Young migrants aged 15 to 19 and from the South Asian region were more likely to have a lack of knowledge about HIV. Surprisingly, asylum seekers knew more about HIV transmission and condoms as a protection strategy than other migrants.

A comparison group of people without migration experience would be important to determine whether these knowledge gaps are actually migra