Improving Access to Sexual Health Information and Resources Among South Asian International Students: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis at a Midwestern U.S. University

South Asian international students may encounter multiple barriers when seeking sexual health information and services on U.S. college campuses, including cultural stigma, language barriers, and limited access to culturally responsive resources. These challenges, combined with acculturation-related stress, may influence sexual health knowledge, preventive behaviors, and use of campus health services. This study explored strategies to improve sexual health education and access to resources for South Asian international students in university settings. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January through March 2023 among South Asian international students enrolled at the University of Cincinnati in the United States. Responses to an open-ended question regarding strategies for making sexual health information and sexually transmitted infection (STI) resources more accessible were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Of the 103 survey respondents, 68 provided responses to the open-ended question and comprised the qualitative sample. Participants recommended integrating sexual health education into international student orientation and other institutional onboarding processes, expanding accessible in-person and online educational opportunities, increasing availability of sexual health information through multiple communication channels, and improving access to prevention and testing resources, including condoms and STI screening. Findings highlight the importance of institutionally embedded and culturally responsive approaches to sexual health promotion among South Asian international students. Universities may consider integrating sexual health education into transition programming, developing diverse information delivery pathways, and strengthening access to preventive services to better support the sexual health needs of international students.