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Closing the Gap in Maternal and Child Health: A Qualitative Study Examining Health Needs of Migrant Mothers in Dandenong, Victoria, Australia

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Abstract

We conducted a qualitative study that explored the views and perceptions of migrant women in, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia about sociocultural barriers and health needs during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. The study was informed by the Social Identity Theory and the Acculturation Theory. It involved five focus group discussions with 35 migrant mothers from Afghanistan, Africa, China, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Jordan. Five themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the need for family support and complex social environments; (2) dealing with two cultural identities; (3) the health of mother and offspring; (4) access to the health system; and (5) life-skills for better health. Pregnancy and motherhood are challenges that are made more difficult by migration. The findings point towards the need for policies and interventions: (1) to reduce the negative impact of social isolation and lack of support during pregnancy and postnatally; (2) to support greater fathers’ involvement in childcare; and (3) to reconcile different practices and expectations between traditional cultures and Australian norms. They also suggest a need to test culturally competent interventions that address health and lifestyle needs in migrant women and education programs for mothers that effectively address their concerns about maternal and child health.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank our financial sponsors, Deakin University for their generous financial support of this research. We would also like to thank the Maternal Child Health Service in the City of Greater Dandenong for their assistance in conducting this research. We would like to thank the study participants and their families for their contribution. A/Prof. Renzaho is supported by an ARC Future Fellowship.

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None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Migration, Social Disadvantage, and Health Programs, Global Health and Society Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 3, Burnet Building, 89 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia

    Andre M. N. Renzaho

  2. Centre for International Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Andre M. N. Renzaho

  3. Global Health and Society Unit, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    John C. Oldroyd

Authors
  1. Andre M. N. Renzaho
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  2. John C. Oldroyd
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Correspondence to Andre M. N. Renzaho.

Appendix 1 Focus Group Discussion Intrview Schedule

Appendix 1 Focus Group Discussion Intrview Schedule

  1. 1.

    What are the major challenges of motherhood in Australia [probe: During pregnancy ? Post-birth?]

  2. 2.

    What can be done to help mothers overcome these challenges?

  3. 3.

    What are the cultural influences you draw upon to shape behaviours and practices during pregnancy and post birth? [probe: which ones do you still practice? Which ones have you abandoned?]

  4. 4.

    What are the characteristics of a good pregnancy? [Probe: And post-delivery care?]

  5. 5.

    What type of programs would help mothers during pregnancies? [Probe: And post-delivery? What is the best way to deliver such programs?

  6. 6.

    Do want to make any comments or ask a question?

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Renzaho, A.M.N., Oldroyd, J.C. Closing the Gap in Maternal and Child Health: A Qualitative Study Examining Health Needs of Migrant Mothers in Dandenong, Victoria, Australia. Matern Child Health J 18, 1391–1402 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-013-1378-7

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