Developing antenatal education resources for CALD women: First steps, exploring what women from CALD backgrounds want and need

Abstract

Problem

There are significant health risks for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds accessing perinatal care.

Background

Disparity exists for accessing perinatal care. In Australia, women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds have higher rates of obstetric complications compared to others. Reasons are often complex and multifactorial. Low health literacy is commonly reported amongst CALD communities as a contributor to reduced antenatal care participation and utilisation, compromising recognition of pregnancy complications, and understanding of educational resources. Typically, antenatal education follows generic formats. The usefulness and appropriateness may not be suitable or understood amongst CALD women.

Aim

This project aims to derive deeper understanding of the needs and barriers of CALD women accessing antenatal resources.

Method

Qualitative study utilising in-depth semi-structured interviews in two focus groups (n = 10) with CALD pregnant women. Antenatal education resources were reviewed. Thematic analysis was used to uncover themes and subthemes.

Findings

Three themes were identified 1) Health Literacy, 2) Navigating service and 3) Identity.

Discussion

Improved health literacy was cited the main finding, with participants stating accessing information should be simplified and meet the cultural needs throughout a woman's perinatal journey. Women wanted information in multiple formats and variations to accommodate cultural sensitivities on taboo topics.

Conclusion

Improvements in current prenatal information are required for CALD women accessing care. Changes in content and format reflecting cultural needs would aid understanding and potentially improve pregnancy outcomes for this group. Further research is required understanding of the diverse cultural needs of maternity care for CALD women.