Somali immigrant women's health care experiences and beliefs regarding pregnancy and birth in the United States.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Institution/Department

Nursing; Obstetrics and Gynocology

Journal Title

Journal of transcultural nursing : official journal of the Transcultural Nursing Society / Transcultural Nursing Society

MeSH Headings

Adult, Appointments and Schedules, Cultural Competency, Cultural Diversity, Emigrants and Immigrants, Female, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Islam, Maternal Health Services, Maternal Welfare, Pregnancy, Qualitative Research, Somalia, Tape Recording, Time Factors, United States, Women's Health

Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe Somali immigrant women's health care experiences and beliefs regarding pregnancy and birth.

DESIGN: Four focus group interviews were conducted using a convenience sample of Somali women who were pregnant or had recently delivered. Qualitative thematic content analysis was used.

FINDINGS: Six major themes emerged: pregnancy as a natural experience for women, value and relevance of prenatal care, lack of control and familiarity with delivery in the United States, balancing the desire to breastfeed with practical concerns and barriers, discomfort with mental health issues, and challenges in the healthcare system.

DISCUSSION: Somali immigrant women perceive, interpret, and react to Western health practices from a perspective that includes their cultural, religious, and "scientific" beliefs.

IMPLICATIONS: Implications include cultural competency workshops. Educational materials and prenatal education sessions that support the women's needs have been developed for this population and should be a focus of future research.

ISSN

1552-7832

First Page

72

Last Page

81

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS