Globalization and Health
Volume 12, Issue 1, 2016

Reducing health inequities affecting immigrant women: A qualitative study of their available assets (Article) (Open Access)

Bonmatí-Tomás A.* , Malagón-Aguilera M.C. , Bosch-Farré C. , Gelabert-Vilella S. , Juvinyà-Canal D. , Garcia Gil M.M.
  • a University of Girona, Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Emili Grahit, 77, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
  • b University of Girona, Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Emili Grahit, 77, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain, University of Girona, Health and Health Care Research Group, Girona, Catalonia, Spain
  • c University of Girona, Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Emili Grahit, 77, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
  • d University of Girona, Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Emili Grahit, 77, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
  • e University of Girona, Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Emili Grahit, 77, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain, University of Girona, Health and Health Care Research Group, Girona, Catalonia, Spain, University of Girona, Director of Health Promotion Chair, Pic de la Peguera 15. Parc Cientific i Tecnologic, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
  • f Research Unit of Family Medicine Girona (Vascular Health Group), Primary Care Research Institute Jordi Gol, Girona, Spain, School of Medicine, University of Girona, TransLab Research Group, Department of Medical Sciences, Maluquer Salvador, núm. 11, Girona, Catalonia, 17002, Spain

Abstract

Background: Immigrant women often experience health inequities, whether for reasons of gender, country of origin, or socioeconomic status. The view of immigrant women has always focussed on their needs, without taking into account their available assets. A salutogenic approach incorporating an assets analysis could provide a new perspective on the design of health promotion interventions to reduce health inequities. The study objective was to identify the assets of this group of women as a necessary first step in changing the paradigm used in such health promotion interventions. Methods: This qualitative study combined focus groups, in-depth interviews, and a photovoice session. The aim was to describe the assets of this group, based on Antonovsky's salutogenic approach and assets model. Qualitative results were interpreted with a phenomenological focus, identifying each individual's internal, community, and institutional assets. Results: The self awareness of skills was linked to a person's description of herself as being optimistic, having religious beliefs, and having motivations and objectives in life, for herself, her family or her children. Being motivated helped the women to persist in doing or learning things that could be useful in confronting difficult situations. Another selfawareness skill was feeling useful to others, whether this was due to religious beliefs about their role in life or to the importance of the mutual support of interpersonal relationships. Conclusions: High optimism, strong capacity for struggle and self-initiative, the importance of religious beliefs, social support, and concern for their children's future were described as assets of immigrant women. Identification of these assets allows us to develop more in-depth knowledge and better tools for health promotion programs and policies intended to reduce health inequities in this population of immigrant women. © 2016 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

Assets Health inequities immigrant women Salutogenesis

Index Keywords

information processing immigrant health care planning health promotion health care policy motivation interpersonal communication human trends Health Resources priority journal health inequity initiative assets attitude to life social support financial management religion procedures qualitative research Self Efficacy health health program Humans migrant psychology Emigrants and Immigrants female qualitative analysis supply and distribution self concept standards Article manpower health care optimism equity Health Policy character Healthcare Disparities health care disparity Focus Groups womens health
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84977647997&doi=10.1186%2fs12992-016-0174-8&partnerID=40&md5=415e96023329dd5e988691ea677c5304
DOI: 10.1186/s12992-016-0174-8
ISSN: 17448603
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English