European Journal of Public Health
Volume 29, Issue 4, 2019, Pages 714-723

Maternal and perinatal outcomes of asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in Europe: A systematic review (Review) (Open Access)

Gieles N.C. , Tankink J.B.* , Van Midde M. , Düker J. , Van Der Lans P. , Wessels C.M. , Bloemenkamp K.W.M. , Bonsel G. , Van Den Akker T. , Goosen S. , Rijken M.J. , Browne J.L.
  • a Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Huispost nr. STR 6.131, GA Utrecht, 3508, Netherlands
  • b Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Huispost nr. STR 6.131, GA Utrecht, 3508, Netherlands
  • c Research Department, Médecins du Monde/Dokters Van de Wereld, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • d Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Huispost nr. STR 6.131, GA Utrecht, 3508, Netherlands
  • e Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Hospital Twente ZGT/MST, Enschede, Netherlands, Dutch Working Party on International Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • f Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Huispost nr. STR 6.131, GA Utrecht, 3508, Netherlands
  • g Department of Obstetrics, Birth Centre Wilhelmina Children Hospital, Division Women and Baby, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • h Department of Obstetrics, Birth Centre Wilhelmina Children Hospital, Division Women and Baby, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • i Dutch Working Party on International Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
  • j Netherlands Association of Community Health Services, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • k Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Huispost nr. STR 6.131, GA Utrecht, 3508, Netherlands, Dutch Working Party on International Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Department of Obstetrics, Birth Centre Wilhelmina Children Hospital, Division Women and Baby, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
  • l Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Huispost nr. STR 6.131, GA Utrecht, 3508, Netherlands, Dutch Working Party on International Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Abstract

Background: Asylum seekers (AS) and undocumented migrants (UM) are at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to adverse health determinants and compromised maternal healthcare access and service quality. Considering recent migratory patterns and the absence of a robust overview, a systematic review was conducted on maternal and perinatal outcomes in AS and UM in Europe. Methods: Systematic literature searches were performed in MEDLINE and EMBASE (until 1 May 2017), complemented by a grey literature search (until 1 June 2017). Primary research articles reporting on any maternal or perinatal outcome, published between 2007 and 2017 in English/Dutch were eligible for inclusion. Review protocols were registered on Prospero: CRD42017062375 and CRD42017062477. Due to heterogeneity in study populations and outcomes, results were synthesized narratively. Results: Of 4652 peer-reviewed articles and 145 grey literature sources screened, 11 were included from 4 European countries. Several studies reported adverse outcomes including higher maternal mortality (AS), severe acute maternal morbidity (AS), preterm birth (UM) and low birthweight (UM). Risk of bias was generally acceptable, although the limited number and quality of some studies preclude definite conclusions. Conclusion: Limited evidence is available on pregnancy outcomes in AS and UM in Europe. The adverse outcomes reported imply that removing barriers to high-quality maternal care should be a priority. More research focussing on migrant subpopulations, considering potential risk factors such as ethnicity and legal status, is needed to guide policy and optimize care. © 2019 The Author(s).

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Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85070727108&doi=10.1093%2feurpub%2fckz042&partnerID=40&md5=cff75f32900ca974933838aafb3ba545
DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz042
ISSN: 11011262
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English