Notes
Gaps identified
Little knowledge exists on how factors such as ethnic group and cultural beliefs intersect and influence health care access and outcomes
Key populations
Sudanese women
Community organizations
Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative
Key recommendations
It is crucial to facilitate cultural awareness and competency of care rather than misinterpretations of resistance to care
Key findings
Amongst immigrant populations in Canada, refugee women are one of the most vulnerable groups and pregnant women with immediate needs for health care services may be at higher risk of health problems.
The findings revealed that there are many beliefs that impact upon behaviours and perceptions during the perinatal period. Traditionally, the women mostly avoid anything that they believe could harm themselves or their babies. Pregnancy and delivery were strongly believed to be natural events without need for special attention or intervention.
The sub-Saharan culture supports the dominance of the family by males and the ideology of patriarchy. Pregnancy and birth are events reflecting a certain empowerment for women, and the women tend to exert control in ways that may or may not be respected by their husbands. Individual choices are often made to foster self and outward-perceptions of managing one’s affairs with strength.
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
The length of residence in Canada for the women was between a few months to 5 years
