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Kim J, Heazell AEP, Whittaker M, Stacey T, Watson K. Impact of health literacy on pregnancy outcomes in socioeconomically disadvantaged and ethnic minority populations: A scoping review. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 39175268 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy, influenced by sociodemographic characteristics such as ethnicity, economic means and societal factors, affects the ways in which pregnant women maintain their health; this in turn may increase risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE To explore what is known about the impact of personal health literacy on prevention of stillbirth and related adverse outcomes in pregnant women of low socioeconomic status or from ethnic minority backgrounds. SEARCH STRATEGY MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and CENTRAL were searched as well as reference lists of included studies and gray literature. SELECTION CRITERIA Included studies focused on personal health literacy and stillbirth prevention in women from low socioeconomic or ethnic minority backgrounds in the perinatal period. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS A meta-summary approach was adopted for qualitative, observational, descriptive, and audit studies. Findings of intervention studies were extracted, and meta-analyses were conducted where possible. The primary outcome was stillbirth; maternal mortality and neonatal mortality were secondary outcomes. MAIN RESULTS Forty-one studies were included from diverse geographical settings. The meta-summary synthesized five abstracted statements. These recognized lower personal health literacy and greater difficulty interacting with healthcare services in the studied populations, primarily as the result of limited health knowledge, lack of positive perception towards health services, language barriers, illiteracy, and relying on friends or family members for health information. Meta-analysis of intervention studies revealed no association between current interventions that aimed to increase personal health literacy and the risk of stillbirth (relative risk [RR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96-1.12), neonatal mortality (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.75-1.03), and maternal mortality (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.63-1.22). CONCLUSIONS Various factors suggest lower personal health literacy in women of low socioeconomic status or ethnic minority, which can increase the risk of stillbirth. However, this review identified no significant impact of current health education interventions on the risk of stillbirth, or neonatal or maternal mortality. Although not directly measured, the health education interventions were anticipated to increase personal health literacy. Further research on the topic of this scoping review is warranted, particularly in lower-resource settings and regarding the potential role of e-literacy and organizational health literacy to improve pregnancy outcomes. To address deficits in health literacy, efforts must be made to provide pregnant women with health information in novel, accessible ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Kim
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Maya Whittaker
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tomasina Stacey
- Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Kylie Watson
- Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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2
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Bowman A, Sullivan T, Makrides M, Flenady V, Shepherd E, Hawke K, Stuart-Butler D, Leane C, Middleton P. Lifestyle and sociodemographic risk factors for stillbirth by region of residence in South Australia: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:368. [PMID: 38750442 PMCID: PMC11097586 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06553-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth rates remain a global priority and in Australia, progress has been slow. Risk factors of stillbirth are unique in Australia due to large areas of remoteness, and limited resource availability affecting the ability to identify areas of need and prevalence of factors associated with stillbirth. This retrospective cohort study describes lifestyle and sociodemographic factors associated with stillbirth in South Australia (SA), between 1998 and 2016. METHODS All restigered births in SA between 1998 ad 2016 are included. The primary outcome was stillbirth (birth with no signs of life ≥ 20 weeks gestation or ≥ 400 g if gestational age was not reported). Associations between stillbirth and lifestyle and sociodemographic factors were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression and described using adjusted odds ratios (aORs). RESULTS A total of 363,959 births (including 1767 stillbirths) were included. Inadequate antenatal care access (assessed against the Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines) was associated with the highest odds of stillbirth (aOR 3.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.41-4.52). Other factors with important associations with stillbirth were plant/machine operation (aOR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.16-2.45), birthing person age ≥ 40 years (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.50-2.45), partner reported as a pensioner (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.12-2.99), Asian country of birth (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.19-2.10) and Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander status (aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20-1.88). The odds of stillbirth were increased in regional/remote areas in association with inadequate antenatal care (aOR, 4.64; 95% CI, 2.98-7.23), birthing age 35-40 years (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.02-3.64), Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status (aOR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.12-3.21), paternal occupations: tradesperson (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.17-6.16) and unemployment (aOR, 4.06; 95% CI, 1.41-11.73). CONCLUSION Factors identified as independently associated with stillbirth odds include factors that could be addressed through timely access to adequate antenatal care and are likely relevant throughout Australia. The identified factors should be the target of stillbirth prevention strategies/efforts. SThe stillbirth rate in Australia is a national concern. Reducing preventable stillbirths remains a global priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneka Bowman
- Aboriginal Communities and Families Health Research Alliance (ACRA), Adelaide, Australia.
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North terrace, Adelaide, Australia.
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
- Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Thomas Sullivan
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North terrace, Adelaide, Australia
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Maria Makrides
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North terrace, Adelaide, Australia
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Vicki Flenady
- Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Emily Shepherd
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North terrace, Adelaide, Australia
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Karen Hawke
- Aboriginal Communities and Families Health Research Alliance (ACRA), Adelaide, Australia
- Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Deanna Stuart-Butler
- Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cathy Leane
- Aboriginal Health Division of the Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Philippa Middleton
- Aboriginal Communities and Families Health Research Alliance (ACRA), Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North terrace, Adelaide, Australia
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Centre for Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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3
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Riggs DW, Due C. Exploring the Role of Migration Status in Pregnancy Loss Attributions, Experiences, and Support in Australia. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241241831. [PMID: 38517112 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241241831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
While previous research has explored the impact of migration status on experiences and attributions about pregnancy loss, less common is comparative research examining similarities and differences between migrants and non-migrants. This paper reports on a cross sectional comparative study of 623 culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) or non-CALD people living in Australia. Participants completed a survey that asked about experiences of pregnancy loss, support, and attributions about pregnancy loss. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of rates of pregnancy loss, though CALD participants reported greater distress following a loss. CALD participants reported greater reliance on partners and faith communities, and found healthcare professionals to be less supportive. CALD participants were more likely to attribute pregnancy loss to spiritual reasons (among others), and non-CALD participants to fetal abnormalities. The paper concludes by calling for awareness campaigns and professional upskilling to better ensure the needs of CALD communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien W Riggs
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Clemence Due
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Vasilevski V, Graham K, McKay F, Dunn M, Wright M, Radelaar E, Vuillermin PJ, Sweet L. Barriers and enablers to antenatal care attendance for women referred to social work services in a Victorian regional hospital: A qualitative descriptive study. Women Birth 2024; 37:443-450. [PMID: 38246853 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women referred to social work services during pregnancy are more likely to experience social disadvantage than those who are not, resulting in reduced antenatal care attendance. Lack of antenatal care engagement leads to poor identification and management of concerns that can have immediate and long-term health consequences for women and their babies. Identifying the barriers and enablers to antenatal care attendance for women referred to social work services is important for designing models of care that promote effective engagement. AIMS This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to antenatal care attendance by women referred to social work services from the perspectives of women, and clinicians who provide antenatal healthcare. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study using constructivist grounded theory methods was undertaken. Ten women referred to social work services and 11 antenatal healthcare providers were purposively recruited for interviews from a regional maternity service in Victoria, Australia. FINDINGS Continuity of care and healthcare providers partnering with women were central to effective engagement with antenatal care services. Three interrelated concepts were identified: 1) experiences of the hospital environment and access to care; 2) perceptions of care influence engagement, and 3) motivations for regularly attending services. CONCLUSIONS Continuity of care is essential for supporting women referred to social work services to attend antenatal appointments. Women are better equipped to overcome other barriers to antenatal service attendance when they have a strong partnership with clinicians involved in their care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidanka Vasilevski
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Western Health Partnership, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Kristen Graham
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Western Health Partnership, Victoria, Australia; College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia; National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University
| | - Fiona McKay
- School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Dunn
- School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Peter J Vuillermin
- Barwon Health, Victoria, Australia; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linda Sweet
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Western Health Partnership, Victoria, Australia
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Nagesh N, Ip CHL, Li J, Fan HSL, Chai HS, Fan Y, Wong JY, Fong DY, Lok KYW. Exploring South Asian women's perspectives and experiences of maternity care services: A qualitative evidence synthesis. Women Birth 2024; 37:259-277. [PMID: 38123436 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The United Nations Women and other sources have highlighted the poor maternal and neonatal care experienced by South Asian women, emphasizing the need to understand the cultural factors and specific experiences that influence their health-seeking behavior. This understanding is crucial for achieving health equity and improving health outcomes for women and infants. OBJECTIVES This study aims to examine and synthesize qualitative evidence on the perspectives and experiences of South Asian women regarding maternity care services in destination countries. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute's approach. Eight databases were searched for studies capturing the qualitative views and experiences of South Asian women - Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Global Health, Scopus, PsycInfo, British Nursing Index and the Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts. Qualitative and mixed method studies written in English are included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI's QARI checklist for qualitative studies and the MMAT checklist for mixed-methods studies. RESULTS Fourteen studies, including twelve qualitative and two mixed-methods studies, were identified and found to be of high methodological quality. The overarching theme that emerged was "navigating cross-cultural maternity care experiences." This theme encapsulates the challenges and complexities faced by South Asian women in destination countries, including ethnocultural and religious differences, communication and language barriers, understanding different medical systems, and the impact of migration on their maternity care experiences. CONCLUSIONS South Asian migrant women often have expectations that differ from the services provided in destination countries, leading to challenges in their social relationships. Communication and language barriers pose additional obstacles that can be addressed through strategies promoting better communication and culturally sensitive care. To enhance the utilization of maternity healthcare services, it is important to address these factors and provide personalized, culturally sensitive care for South Asian migrant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitya Nagesh
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Caroline Hoi Lam Ip
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Junyan Li
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Heidi Sze Lok Fan
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Hung Sze Chai
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yingwei Fan
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Janet Yh Wong
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel Yt Fong
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kris Yuet-Wan Lok
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Rogers HJ, Ao CSEH, Henry A. Perspectives of women and partners from migrant and refugee backgrounds accessing the Cross Cultural Worker Service in maternity and early childhood services-a survey study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1233. [PMID: 37946230 PMCID: PMC10636916 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women from migrant and refugee backgrounds living in high-income countries have increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and report lower satisfaction with perinatal healthcare. In Sydney, Australia, a new service known as the Cross Cultural Workers (CCWs) in Maternity and Child and Family Health Service (the CCW Service) was implemented to support such women and families from pregnancy to the early parenting period. This study aimed to ascertain the experiences of women and their partners engaging with the CCW Service. METHODS A survey study was undertaken. Women accessing the CCW Service were recruited during pregnancy and were asked to complete surveys at three time points: in the third trimester of pregnancy, at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Their partners were invited to complete a survey at 6 months postpartum. Survey data were analysed to compare satisfaction, usefulness, number of CCW interactions, cultural sensitivity, and service improvement recommendations across all three survey timepoints. RESULTS A total of 231 surveys were received: 113 during pregnancy, 50 at 6-months postpartum, 44 at 12-months postpartum, and 24 partner surveys. Participants in all surveys reported the CCW Service to be useful (84-94%), stating that it increased their understanding of pregnancy, birth and parenting (95-100%), and that they would recommend the CCW Service (92-98%). Participants experienced a high level of satisfaction (88-95%) irrespective of the number of CCW interactions (p = 0.42). Thoughts on becoming a mother or parent were more positive after meeting the CCW than before for both women (p = 0.01) and partners (p = 0.12). Suggestions for CCW Service improvement were to 1) increase the provision of information, specifically financial entitlements, postnatal depression, and support services, 2) increase involvement of partners in care, 3) increase the CCW workforce/or number of CCWs. CONCLUSION The CCW Service was associated with positive experiences and high rates of satisfaction at all timepoints. This service has the potential to inform the implementation of similar models of care that improve accessibility, the perinatal experience, and respond to the unique needs of women and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J Rogers
- Child, Youth & Family Services, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of NSW (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
| | - Caroline S E Homer Ao
- Maternal and Child Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic, 3004, Australia
- Centre for Midwifery and Child and Family Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney), Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Amanda Henry
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of NSW (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2217, Australia
- Australia Global Women's Health Program, The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, 2042, Australia
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Khaw SML, Homer CSE, Dearnley R, O'Rourke K, Akter S, Bohren MA. Collaborative relationships between doulas and maternity care providers when supporting migrant women during labour and birth. Midwifery 2023; 125:103791. [PMID: 37611332 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the perspectives and experiences of community-based doulas and maternity care providers working with each other in Australia; and to identify the facilitators and barriers to working relationships when supporting migrant women during labour and birth. DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative interpretive phenomenological study using in-depth semi-structured interviews. An inductive thematic approach and Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation (COM-B) framework were used in data analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 10 doulas from Birth for Humankind (a community-based doula service), and 13 maternity care providers from a tertiary maternity hospital in Melbourne, Australia were included. FINDINGS We identified how collaborative working relationships between community-based doulas and maternity care providers may be enhanced by adopting facilitators across all three COM-B domains and by removing identified barriers. Factors facilitating collaborative working relationships included: knowledge and value of doula roles, establishment of rapport and trust between doulas and providers; doulas enhancing respectful care, communication and relationships between migrant women and providers; and community-based doulas differentiated from private practising doulas. Barriers included: limited understanding of doula roles and service; limiting behaviours impacting collaborative relationships; and limited opportunities for doulas and providers to establish rapport. KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Findings are relevant to other models of doula care including private practice doulas and hospital-based doula services. Positive, collaborative doula-provider working relationships are integral for ensuring that the benefits of doula care continue to reach underserved populations such as migrant women and improve their maternity care experiences and outcomes within hospitals settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Min-Lee Khaw
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Level 2, 32 Lincoln Square North, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
| | - Caroline S E Homer
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia. https://twitter.com/https://twitter.com/CarolineHomer
| | - Red Dearnley
- Birth for Humankind, 552 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, VIC 3051, Australia. https://twitter.com/https://twitter.com/saidruth
| | - Kerryn O'Rourke
- Realist Research Evaluation and Learning Initiative, Northern Institute, Faculty of Arts and Society, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Brinkin, NT 0909, Australia. https://twitter.com/https://twitter.com/kerrynorourke
| | - Shahinoor Akter
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Level 2, 32 Lincoln Square North, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia. https://twitter.com/https://twitter.com/Dr_Shahinoor_A
| | - Meghan A Bohren
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Level 2, 32 Lincoln Square North, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia. https://twitter.com/https://twitter.com/meghanbohren
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Khaw SML, Homer CSE, Dearnley R, O'Rourke K, Akter S, Bohren MA. A qualitative study on community-based doulas' roles in providing culturally-responsive care to migrant women in Australia. Women Birth 2023; 36:e527-e535. [PMID: 37117124 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited exploration into how culturally-responsive care may be provided to migrant women through community-based doulas. AIM We aim to explore the roles of community-based doulas in providing culturally-responsive care to migrant women in Australian maternity settings, from the perspectives of maternity care providers and doulas. METHODS We used an interpretive phenomenological qualitative approach with in-depth interviews with 30 maternity care providers and Birth for Humankind doulas, in Victoria, Australia. All interviews were conducted over video-call and inductive thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software. FINDINGS Doulas were seen to support and enhance migrant women's maternity care experiences through numerous ways, strengthening cultural-responsive care provision. There were three domains which described the role of doulas in providing migrant women with culturally-responsive care: 1) enhanced care; 2) respectful care; and 3) supportive relationships with providers. The three domains included seven themes: 1) continuous individualised support; 2) social connectedness; 3) creating safe spaces; 4) cultural facilitator; 5) non-judgemental support; 6) enhancing communication and rapport with providers; and 7) making connections. DISCUSSION Doulas appeared to counter negative factors that impact migrant women's maternity care experiences. Doulas with previous professional birth support qualifications and trauma-informed care training were equipped to create safe spaces and increase emotional safety for migrant women. Doulas may also have more responsibilities expected of them by providers when connecting migrant women with additional services in situations that may be missed through hospital care. CONCLUSION Birth for Humankind doulas in Victoria play an important role in providing culturally-responsive care to migrant women. Employment models may be the next steps in acknowledging their valuable contribution as a complementary service to maternity settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Min-Lee Khaw
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
| | - Caroline S E Homer
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Red Dearnley
- Birth for Humankind, 552 Victoria Street, North Melbourne, VIC 3051, Australia
| | - Kerryn O'Rourke
- Realist Research, Evaluation and Learning Initiative, Northern Institute, College of Indigenous Futures, Education & the Arts, Charles Darwin University, Building Yellow 1, Level 3 Ellen Gowan Drive, Casuarina, NT 0810, Australia; Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Level 3, George Singer Building, Bundoora, VIC 3086
| | - Shahinoor Akter
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - Meghan A Bohren
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
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9
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Saunders SL, Sutcliffe KL, McOrist NS, Levett KM. The associations between women who are immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers, access to universal healthcare, and the timely uptake of antenatal care: A systematic review. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 63:134-145. [PMID: 36480342 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that antenatal care (ANC) commence before 12 weeks' gestation to reduce the risk of obstetric and perinatal complications. Immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are at higher risk for late or non-initiation of ANC, and exclusion from universal healthcare (UHC) may be a contributing factor. AIMS The aims were to synthesise evidence regarding uptake of ANC and to examine if this is associated with inadequate access to UHC and to evaluate the link between ANC and the risk of pregnancy outcomes in the immigrant, refugee and asylum seeker population. METHODS The review was performed according to meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Five databases were systematically searched. Abstracts were screened against inclusion criteria, and eligible papers underwent data extraction by two independent reviewers per paper. The ROBINS-I tool was used to assess risk of bias. RESULTS Twelve studies were included in the final review. All studies reported that ANC was delayed for women who were classified as immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers as per the WHO recommendations, and this was statistically significant compared to controls in 11 of 12 studies (P < 0.05). Findings regarding ANC uptake and pregnancy complications were too heterogeneous to conclusively report an association. CONCLUSION Immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers who are excluded from UHC present significantly later to ANC than receiving-country-born women with full access to UHC. The link between delayed ANC due to inadequate UHC access and pregnancy complications remains unclear due to the heterogeneous nature of the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Saunders
- The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Auburn Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Auburn, New South Wales, Australia
- Gosford Hospital, Gosford, NSW, Australia
| | - Kerry L Sutcliffe
- The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Auburn Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Auburn, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nathan S McOrist
- The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Auburn Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Auburn, New South Wales, Australia
- Gosford Hospital, Gosford, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate M Levett
- The University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Auburn Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Auburn, New South Wales, Australia
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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Behboudi-Gandevani S, Bidhendi-Yarandi R, Panahi MH, Mardani A, Gåre Kymre I, Paal P, Vaismoradi M. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Risk of Stillbirth, Perinatal and Neonatal Mortality in Immigrant Women. Int J Public Health 2022; 67:1604479. [PMID: 35664648 PMCID: PMC9156626 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the risk of stillbirth, perinatal and neonatal mortality in immigrant women compared to native-origin women in host countries. Methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted. Relevant studies were identified using a thorough literature search and their quality was appraised. The analysis of heterogeneous data was carried out using the random effects model and publication bias was assessed using the Harbord-test. Also, the pooled odds ratio of events was calculated through the DerSimonian and Laird, and inverse variance methods. Results: In the search process 45 studies were retrieved consisting of 8,419,435 immigrant women and 40,113,869 native-origin women. The risk of stillbirth (Pooled OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.22–1.50), perinatal mortality (Pooled OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.35–1.68), and neonatal mortality (Pooled OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.00–1.19) in the immigrant women were significantly higher than the native-origin women in host countries. According to the sensitivity analyses, all results were highly consistent with the main data analysis results. Conclusion: The immigrant women compared to the native-origin women had the higher risks of stillbirth, perinatal and neonatal mortality. Healthcare providers and policy makers should improve the provision of maternal and neonatal healthcare for the immigrant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Behboudi-Gandevani
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
- *Correspondence: Samira Behboudi-Gandevani,
| | - Razieh Bidhendi-Yarandi
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Panahi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Mardani
- Nursing Care Research Center, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Piret Paal
- Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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Rumbold AR, Yelland J, Stuart-Butler D, Forbes M, Due C, Boyle FM, Middleton P. Addressing stillbirth inequities in Australia: Steps towards a better future. Women Birth 2020; 33:520-525. [PMID: 33092701 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Persistent disparities in stillbirth risk and care are present in Australia. Eliminating these disparities is possible with a commitment to enhancing and scaling up models of culturally safe maternity care shown to be effective for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and those of migrant and refugee backgrounds. Campaigns to improve public awareness of stillbirth also play an important role in reducing stillbirth risk and consequences. To achieve reach and impact in communities at risk, messaging needs to be framed around the social and cultural context of women's lives. Here we describe important initiatives underway within the Stillbirth Centre of Research Excellence to develop a coordinated national approach to stillbirth prevention and care in communities that bear a disproportionate burden of stillbirth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice R Rumbold
- SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Jane Yelland
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia; Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Deanna Stuart-Butler
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), Australia
| | - Madeline Forbes
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), Australia
| | - Clemence Due
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Frances M Boyle
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), Australia; Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Philippa Middleton
- SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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12
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Mozooni M, Preen DB, Pennell CE. The influence of acculturation on the risk of stillbirth in migrant women residing in Western Australia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231106. [PMID: 32240255 PMCID: PMC7117748 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the influence of acculturation, demonstrated by age on arrival, length of residence, interpreter use and having an Australian-born partner, on disparities observed in the risk of stillbirth between migrant and Australian-born populations in Western Australia (WA). Methods A retrospective cohort study using linked administrative health data for all non-Indigenous births in WA from 2005–2013 was performed. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for stillbirth in migrants from six ethnicities of white, Asian, Indian, African, Māori, and ‘other’, with different levels of acculturation, were compared with Australian-born women using multivariable logistic regression analysis and marital status, maternal age group, socioeconomic status, parity, plurality, previous stillbirth, any medical conditions, any pregnancy complications, sex of baby, and smoking during pregnancy as the covariates. Results From all births studied, 172,571 (66%) were to Australian-born women and 88,395 (34%) to migrant women. Women from African, Indian and Asian backgrounds who gave birth in the first two years after arrival in Australia experienced the highest risk of stillbirth (aOR 3.32; 95% CI 1.70–6.47, aOR 2.71; 95% CI 1.58–4.65, aOR 1.93; 95% CI 1.21–3.05 respectively) compared with Australian-born women. This association attenuated with an increase in the length of residence in Asian and Indian women, but the risk of stillbirth remained elevated in African women after five years of residence (aOR 1.96 [1.10–3.49]). Interpreter use and an Australian-born partner were associated with 56% and 20% lower odds of stillbirth in migrants (p<0.05), respectively. Conclusions Acculturation is a multidimensional process and may lower the risk of stillbirth through better communication and service utilisation and elevate such risk through increase in prevalence of smoking in pregnancy; the final outcome depends on how these factors are in play in a population. It is noteworthy that in women of African background risk of stillbirth remained elevated for longer periods after immigrating to Australia extending beyond five years. For migrants from Asian and Indian backgrounds, access to services, in the first two years of residence, may be more relevant. Enhanced understanding of barriers to accessing health services and factors influencing and influenced by acculturation may help developing interventions to reduce the burden of stillbirth in identified at-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mozooni
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - David Brian Preen
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Craig Edward Pennell
- School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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