Migrant Somali women’s experiences with their first contact with the labor ward prior to admission: A qualitative study

Somali immigrant women's knowledge of and experiences with folic acid supplement use before and during pregnancy: A qualitative study from Norway

INTRODUCTION

Health authorities in many countries recommend that women should take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy to prevent having babies with neural tube defects. Somali immigrant women in Norway use less folic acid supplements than the recommended amount and subsequently, less than Norwegian-born women.

OBJECTIVES

To explore Somali immigrant women's knowledge of and experiences with using folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy.

METHODS

Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews with ten Somali immigrant women in Norway. The participants were recruited and interviewed between September and November 2019. Graneheim and Lundmańs qualitative content analysis was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Two main themes were developed through the process of analysing the data: 1) Attitudes to life and pregnancy affect how health care advice is met; 2) Understanding the benefits of folic acid is crucial.

CONCLUSIONS

The women in this study had varied knowledge about, and experiences with the use of folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy. The findings suggest that the healthcare system needs to adapt the information it provides on folic acid supplementation to target the needs of Somali immigrant women. In line with suggestions from the study participants, information needs to be given in a timely manner, by someone they trust, in their first language, include visual aids, and be offered to all women of childbearing age before their first pregnancy.

Somali women's perceptions and experiences of pain and pain relief during childbirth in Norway: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Research shows that Somali women are less likely to receive epidural analgesia for labor pain compared to non-immigrant women in Norway. It is unclear why. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of Somali women regarding pain relief during childbirth.

METHODS

In January 2023, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Somali women who had lived in Norway for at least ten years and given birth within the past 12 months. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis as described by Graneheim and Lundman.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged from the data: a cultural understanding of epidural analgesia, religious and cultural coping strategies, and the midwife's role during labor. The participants expressed that there is a prevalent understanding in the Somali community that epidural analgesia in childbirth subsequently causes physical problems. Participants felt the influence of friends and family, expressed the need for culturally adapted information prior to labor, and concluded that, ultimately, what they decided upon was their own choice. They emphasized the belief that women were designed by God for childbirth. Prayer and placing oneself in God's hands were mentioned as pain management strategies. Nevertheless, the Somali women highlighted the importance of having a culturally competent midwife who is present when needed, creates trust, and provides information and access to different methods of pain relief, including epidural analgesia.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding Somali women's cultural and religious background while listening to individual needs for information and pain relief is essential to ensure a positive birth experience for women from a Somali background.