Health care providers' perspectives on the provision of prenatal care to immigrants

ISSN： 1464-5351

Source： Culture, Health & Sexuality, Vol.13, Iss.5, 2011-05, pp. : 561-574

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

In addition to facing barriers to health care and experiencing poor health status, immigrants to Canada and Sweden tend to have more negative birth outcomes than the native-born population, including low birth weight and perinatal mortality rates. Explored through interviews with health care professionals, including midwives, nurse practitioners, social workers and obstetrician gynaecologists, this paper evaluates their experiences in providing prenatal care to immigrants in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Results reveal the complexity of delivering care to immigrants, particularly with respect to expectations surrounding language, culture and type and professionalism of care. The paper concludes by discussing future research options and implications for the delivery of prenatal care to this population.