Experiences of African immigrant and refugee women with prenatal and maternal health care services and treatment adherence in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Abstract

Background

The requirements for adequate perinatal and maternal health care services for African women in Canada continue to rise, given the increased number of African immigrants and refugees coming to the country.

Aim

The study had three objectives: (1) to explore how East and west African immigrant and refugee women living in Manitoba access perinatal and maternal health care services; (2) describe their interactions with health care providers; and (3) understand how their experience impacts their treatment adherence.

Methods

The study was guided by Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) in partnership with a community organization, Sexuality Education Resource Centre Manitoba (SERC). Purposive sampling methods was used to recruit 16 women. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and intersectionality guided the analysis of the data.

Findings and discussion

The participants shared accessing these services through the program Healthy Mom and Me, clinics, and family doctors. Some women experienced barriers such as language differences and lack of social support. Several themes emerged from the analysis: it was stressful; left hanging; “they are always and no one explains”; and faith and culture convictions. Five women reported that racism/discrimination or structural barriers affected their experiences. The women also shared that some recommendations were not respectful or relevant to their traditional/cultural way of caring for a newborn.

Conclusion

The study offered insights into the lived experiences of African immigrant and refugee women accessing prenatal and maternal health care service. The study also provided insights on ways in which systemic oppression/racism may be occurring in the healthcare system.