Maternal Health Experiences and Health Care Utilization of African Immigrant Women: A Review of The Literature

DiscussionFacilitators and barriers to maternal health utilization were impacted by cultural and environmental factors. First, African immigrant women included in the studies, believe pregnancy and childbirth are safe and normal, therefore prenatal care is unnecessary. Second, the fear of obstetrical interventions, especially from women who have had female genital mutilation. Third, the misconceptions regarding pain medications and the roles of hospital staff. Further research is necessary for addressing the facilitators and barriers to healthcare utilization in African immigrant women.
Source: Maternal and Child Health Journal - Category: Health Management Source Type: research