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The Development of the Framework of Integrated Reproductive and Sexual Health Theories (FIRSHT) to Contextualize Indigenous Women’s Health Experiences

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Abstract

Introduction

Indigenous women experience extensive reproductive health disparities and reproductive oppression. Theoretical frameworks for understanding the complex intersection of factors that contribute to these experiences are needed, especially those that highlight the resilience of Indigenous peoples throughout settler colonialism. The purpose of this article is to explore the empirical development of the Framework of Integrated Reproductive and Sexual Health Theories (FIRSHT) to contextualize and understand the reproductive and sexual health experiences of Indigenous women.

Methods

The FIRSHT was developed through a qualitative descriptive research study with 31 Indigenous women from a Gulf Coast tribe. Interviews were conducted in 2018 and 2019. The first author partnered with a community-advisory board throughout the research project, and in the dissemination of results to tribal members.

Results

After presenting a snapshot of the overarching results, we discuss how the FIRSHT incorporates key components of the reproductive justice, resilience, Indigenous critical theory, life course and eco-systemic theoretical frameworks. The proposed framework conceptualizes the interrelationship of factors that impact women’s reproductive and sexual health experiences.

Discussion

This research fills a gap in the need for holistic understandings of Indigenous women’s reproductive and sexual healthcare required for the development of interventions that not only address social justice issues and weaknesses in the healthcare system but also promote the existing strengths and resources in Indigenous communities.

Policy Implications

This theoretical framework may be useful for researchers interested in studying the reproductive and sexual health experiences of Indigenous women, who desire a holistic and strengths-based framework.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank the members of this tribe for their dedicated work and participation in this research.

Funding

This work was supported by the Tulane School of Liberal Arts and the New Orleans Center for the Gulf South at Tulane University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social Work, University of Montana, Jeannette Rankin Hall 004, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT, 59812, USA

    Jessica L. Liddell

  2. Tulane University School of Social Work, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Catherine E. McKinley

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  1. Jessica L. Liddell
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  2. Catherine E. McKinley
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Contributions

The lead author (Jessica Liddell) conducted all aspects of the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Jessica Liddell. The manuscript was written in full by Jessica Liddell and Catherine McKinley.

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Correspondence to Jessica L. Liddell.

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Tulane University IRB approval and Tribal Council approval was granted before beginning research.

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All participants completed informed consent before participating.

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The lead author conducted all aspects of the study and consents for publication. Publication of data findings in a de-identified a format has been approved of by the tribal council.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Liddell, J.L., McKinley, C.E. The Development of the Framework of Integrated Reproductive and Sexual Health Theories (FIRSHT) to Contextualize Indigenous Women’s Health Experiences. Sex Res Soc Policy 19, 1020–1033 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-022-00693-z

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