An ethnographic investigation of the maternity healthcare experience of immigrants in rural and urban Alberta, Canada

Abstract
Canada is among the top immigrant-receiving nations in the world. The aims of the study were to (1) create a new understanding of the processes that disadvantage immigrants in maternity healthcare, and (2) propose changes that might improve maternity experiences and outcomes for immigrant women in Canada. The findings indicate that (a) communication difficulties, (b) lack of information, (c) lack of social support (isolation), (d) cultural beliefs, e) inadequate healthcare services, and (f) cost of medicine/services represent potential barriers to the access to and navigation of maternity services by immigrant women in Canada. Having successfully accessed and navigated services, immigrant women often face additional challenges that influence their level of satisfaction and quality of care. These challenges include lack of understanding of the informed consent process, lack of regard by professionals for confidential patient information, short consultation times, short hospital stays, perceived discrimination/stereotyping, and culture shock. Although health service organizations and policies strive for universality and equality in service provision, personal and organizational barriers can limit care access, adequacy, and acceptability for immigrant women. A holistic healthcare approach must include health informational packages available in different languages/media. Health care professionals who care for diverse populations must be provided with training in cultural competence, and monitoring and evaluation programs to ameliorate personal and systemic discrimination.
Authors: Gina M. Higginbottom,Jalal Safipour,Sophie Yohani,Beverly O’Brien,Zubia Mumtaz,Patricia Paton,Yvonne Chiu,Rubina Barolia Publication Date: 1/27/2016

Publication Type: Journal Article

URL:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-015-0773-z