| dc.description.abstract | Background: As the “world becomes smaller” and individuals and societies become more mobile, there is an increasing interaction with individuals from other cultures and demands for health service that fit different cultures continue to fuel. Pregnancy and childbirth care are no exception. Europe enjoys one of the lowest perinatal mortality rates in the world through improved antenatal care, living conditions and health education, yet, evidence points to the fact that African migrant women (AMW) having most health problems during pregnancy and childbirth, resulting in the highest perinatal mortality rates in the region. AMW have their own experiences, different cultural values and belief patterns, behaviors, decision making tendencies and language proficiencies from those of the main stream which pose major obstacles for nurses and health care systems in their host countries. This integrative review was conducted to present a synthesis of past research on AMW perception of health disparities in pregnancy and childbirth as well as to recommend health promotion intervention strategies for nursing practice. The thesis is in two parts, part one is the thesis and part two is the article for publication.
Aim: The aim of the thesis is to present a synthesis of previous research on African migrant women perception of health disparities in pregnancy and childbirth as well as to recommend health promotion intervention strategies for nursing practice.
Methods: An integrative review based on a systematic literature search was developed, covering the period from January 2000 to December 2011. Based on the inclusion criteria, 11 empirical articles were found. The analysis process involved 1) Data reduction, 2) Data display, 3) data comparison and 4) Syntheses and verification.
Findings: One important theme emerged: Barriers to pregnancy and childbirth care. Barriers to care was manifested at three subthemes which are: i) Barriers at maternal level, ii) Barriers at health provider’s or nurse’s level and iii) Barrier at health system level.
Conclusion: There is no doubt that there exist health disparities in pregnancy and childbirth of AMW. Communication is adjudged the most important element which plays a central role in promoting the health of AMW during pregnancy and childbirth effectively. How nurses get key messages out in a clear, consistent and concise ways to those whom they wish to inform, influence and motivate can make a difference. However, the style of communication and timing is imperative. An authoritative, sometimes confrontational communication style can be construed as intrusive and repulsive.
Further studies should be targeted at health promotion interventions such as education, patient centered care and communication skills. In addition, research is needed to develop training modules that will breed excellent people skills in nurses to enable them respond to the real time needs of AMW thereby maximizing their professional impact. | no_NO |
