To identify gaps in existing evidence on preconception health interventions to improve the health outcomes of adolescents, young adults, and their offspring. Evidence gap map (EGM) METHODS: Following the Campbell guidelines, we included reviews and interventional studies identified through searches on Medline and other electronic databases from 2010 to July 18th, 2023. Dual screening of titles/abstracts and full texts was conducted on Covidence software, followed by quality assessment and development of 2D-EGM using the EPPI-Reviewer and Mapper software. A total of 18 studies (124 papers) were identified, of which most of the studies were from higher- and upper-middle-income countries, with limited evidence from low-middle-income countries. More than half focused on females with limited evidence on men. The monitoring of adverse events of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination was the most well-evidenced area, with very little evidence on the herpes simplex virus candidate vaccine and other behavioural interventions. Perinatal outcomes were the most frequently reported outcomes followed by maternal and child health outcomes. Healthcare facilities (mostly clinical trials) were the most utilised delivery platforms, with limited or no evidence on communities, schools, and digital platforms. The overall quality of the systematic reviews was moderate while most of the trials had some concerns. The study highlights a well-evidenced area in the safety of HPV vaccination with significant gaps in research on other key health interventions, particularly in non-healthcare settings. EGM suggests further research to evaluate the effectiveness of a broad range of preconception interventions, among adolescents and youth for improving long-term health outcomes.

Migration exposes people to unfamiliar gender roles and sexual views, influencing the ways they care for their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Migrant men’s health is overlooked in care and research, prohibiting culturally responsive care that acknowledges these changing beliefs. Thus, we aimed to synthesise the available evidence on the ways pre-established gender norms impact a man’s SRH in the setting of migration to a high-income country. We aimed to investigate how refugee and migrant men viewed gender and gender roles in their countries of resettlement and how they experience their SRH in this country. We systematically searched scientific databases and grey literature (published between 2000–2023), using a search strategy covering four major topics: CALD/migrants, men, gender and SRH. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of 7,840 articles and reviewed the full text of 180 articles. Thematic analysis of 36 articles revealed three key themes: (a) depleted masculinity, (ii) sex and sexuality, and (iii) accessing SRH care in a new country, all influencing how migrant men viewed masculinity, engaged in SRH services and approached sexual relationships. Further, navigating new cultural norms and gendered expectations often resulted in feelings of depleted masculinity, impacting men’s wellbeing, intimate relationships and confidence to seek SRH care after migration. We found that migrant men largely carried pre-established beliefs of sex and gender roles from their home country to their host country. This had mainly negative repercussions on their relationships and SRH behaviours post-migration and should be acknowledged in future research and interventions.

The adolescent years are pivotal in reproductive and sexual development and maturation, yet the experience of migration can severely disrupt this period, inhibiting young immigrants’ knowledge, access, and engagement with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Further, young immigrants and minority populations often face persistent intersectional barriers, including language difficulties, cultural stigma, and systemic exclusion, that result in adverse SRH outcomes. Recent advances in SRH care, particularly in digital health and community-based interventions, show promise in improving access to culturally appropriate SRH services and information. Co-designing SRH programs with families and young immigrants to adequately acknowledge the unique cultural norms and barriers in SRH is essential in ensuring a high outreach of interventions. Shifts in traditional health policies are needed to ensure that immigrant and minority adolescents are not overlooked and that SRH programs incorporate culturally relevant content that is easily and widely accessible. Despite positive shifts, several barriers remain: limited disaggregated data on diverse populations, inadequate policy attention, and the insufficient scalability and funding of promising interventions. Future research and promotional efforts must prioritise the co-creation of SRH interventions with stakeholders and affected communities, ensuring that services are sustainable, culturally appropriate, and accessible to all adolescents.

Artificial or nonnutritive sweeteners (ASs/NNSs) are widely consumed as sugar substitutes globally. Although research often focuses on specific groups such as those with diabetes or pregnant females, nonpregnant, nonlactating females of reproductive age remain understudied despite the significant implications of dietary patterns on females’ health. This systematic review aims 1) to summarize the global prevalence of AS/NNS consumption among nonpregnant, nonlactating females aged 15−49, and 2) to identify the factors associated with AS/NNS use within this population. Following PRISMA reporting guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CENTRAL, Campbell Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and eLANA (World Health Organization), covering studies up to May 2024. We included observational and experimental studies involving nonpregnant and nonlactating females aged 15 to 49, focusing on AS/NNS consumption and its associated factors. Data extraction was performed in duplicates, and quality assessment was conducted using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool. This review identified 15 eligible studies. The pooled prevalence of AS/NNS use among females of reproductive age was 37.1% (95% confidence interval: 25.1%, 49.9%; heterogeneity: I² = 99.9%). Most of the studies were conducted in high-income countries, with only one from an upper-middle-income country. All studies were cross-sectional (n = 15), with 33% high and 67% moderate quality ratings. Factors associated with AS/NNS use included people living with obesity, ethnicity (higher prevalence among White participants), and physical activity levels. However, due to a lack of sex-disaggregated data, these factors could not be analyzed specifically for females; thus, a narrative synthesis is presented. This review highlights significant AS/NNS consumption among nonpregnant, nonlactating females of reproductive age. The findings underscore the need for further research on the long-term health implications of AS/NNS use in this population. The study was registered with PROSPERO as CRD42023450145.

Background: Sexual health research with migrant and refugee communities presents unique challenges, shaped by cultural sensitivities, stigma, and the under-representation of these populations in health research. However, lived experiences insights are essential for the development of appropriate and useful research and health initiatives. It is important to learn from researchers’ experiences to expand the representation of migrant and refugee community voices. Method: This paper draws on two qualitative studies conducted in South Australia: one exploring the sexual and reproductive health perspectives of refugee and migrant women, and the other of men. We reflect upon the methodological and ethical considerations in conducting research in this sensitive field and provide recommendations for future researchers and healthcare providers when working with migrant and refugee communities. Results: Both studies encountered difficulties in relation to participant recruitment, cross-cultural communication, and addressing taboos surrounding sexual health. At the same time, they highlighted opportunities for generating meaningful insights through culturally safe, gender-sensitive approaches and collaboration with community stakeholders. Conclusions: By synthesising experiences from both projects, we identify practical strategies for building trust, overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers, and creating supportive environments for discussing sensitive topics. These reflections offer guidance for researchers and clinicians aiming to advance culturally responsive sexual health research and strengthen healthcare provision for migrant and refugee populations.