“I feel more comfortable with a female doctor”: gender preference, cultural context, and health experiences of young Syrian migrant women in Turkey

Migrant women often encounter complex physical and psychological health challenges shaped by the migration process and resettlement environments. This study qualitatively explores the post-migration health experiences of young Syrian migrant women living in Turkey, with particular attention to their perceptions of healthcare providers’ gender in the context of women’s health. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 women aged 18–28. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns in participants’ health experiences and healthcare interactions. Four main themes emerged: (1) changes in physical health, (2) impact on psychological health, (3) gender preference for healthcare providers, and (4) healthcare service experiences. Migration affects health in multifaceted ways, with outcomes mediated by individual, social, and structural factors. Gender preference in healthcare reflects strategies to ensure emotional safety, trust, and relational comfort rather than simple cultural adherence. Beyond formal access, culturally sensitive, gender-responsive, and relationally attentive care is critical for promoting the well-being of migrant women. Policies and practices should address both structural access and the experiential dimensions of inclusion to foster equitable, patient-centered healthcare.