Maternal health experiences on respectful and adequate care of immigrant women: A prospective multicenter study

Abstract

Objective

Migration of pregnant women can be challenging. Access to adequate and respectful care may not be possible. We aimed to assess the maternity care that immigrant women receive and their satisfaction with the care they experience.

Methods

This multicenter prospective study was conducted in a tertiary public hospital and a private hospital in Istanbul between April 2023 and July 2023. A face-to-face questionnaire was completed in the postpartum department by obstetricians and translators.

Results

In total, 267 patients participated in this study. A majority of these patients delivered at the public hospital (75%). Approximately 21% of all deliveries in both hospitals were with foreign mothers. A majority of the patients (82%) in the public hospital said they easily reached midwives, nurses, and an obstetrician, while this number rose to 100% in the private hospital. Patients in the private hospital had a higher average number of obstetrician visits compared to those in the public hospital, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Patients in the public hospital were significantly less informed about various maternity topics than those in the private hospital group (P < 0.001 for all topics). Most patients said their ideas and thoughts were taken seriously by the health care providers (80% and 97% in the public and private hospitals, respectively). Almost all patients recommended giving birth in the same hospital (94% vs. 96%, public and private hospitals, respectively), while around 99% recommended giving birth in Turkey.

Conclusion

Immigrant women are overall satisfied with the care they receive in both public and private hospitals. They have easier access to obstetricians in private hospitals, as well as being more informed on maternal health issues. Clinical efforts should focus on patient education in antenatal care.