Experiences of Hmong Women in the Perinatal Period.

Abstract

Objective: To explore Hmong women's experiences in the perinatal period and how their cultural practices intersect with Western health care in the United States.

Design: Descriptive qualitative study.

Setting: In-person and online interviews in several geographic locations in the United States.

Participants: Twenty-five Hmong women with a mean age of 35.7 years (SD = 4.1 years) from Wisconsin, California, Minnesota, Michigan, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas. Most had at least a bachelor's degree and one to seven children.

Methods: We recruited participants using purposive sampling through social media and word of mouth, collected data via semistructured interviews with audio recording, used verbatim transcription, and conducted reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Participants' experiences focused on three overarching themes: Navigating the Hmong Traditional World, Navigating Adverse Perinatal Experiences in the Medical World, and Walking Two Worlds Alone. While navigating the traditional Hmong world, participants managed cultural expectations and experienced cultural silencing about certain perinatal topics. Simultaneously, participants navigated adverse experiences such as a lack of shared decision-making and support from health care providers in the Western medical world. They often encountered challenges with navigating the intersection of both worlds alone and reported inadequate support and guidance.

Conclusion: We found that participants' experiences in the perinatal period were shaped by cultural, social, and health care-related factors. More culturally responsive care is needed to improve the health outcomes of Hmong women in the perinatal period.