International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Volume 115, Issue 3, 2011, Pages 227-230

Somali immigrant women's perceptions of cesarean delivery and patient-provider communication surrounding female circumcision and childbirth in the USA (Article)

Ameresekere M.* , Borg R. , Frederick J. , Vragovic O. , Saia K. , Raj A.
  • a Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 15 Parkman Street, Boston MA 02114, United States
  • b Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University, School of Public Health, Boston, United States
  • c Department of International Health, Boston University, School of Public Health, Boston, United States
  • d Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, United States
  • e Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University, School of Medicine, Boston, United States
  • f Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, School of Medicine, San Diego, United States

Abstract

Objective: To explore perceptions of cesarean delivery and patient-provider communication surrounding female circumcision and childbirth through interviews with Somali women residing in the USA. Methods: Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 23 Somali immigrant women living in Boston who had given birth in the USA and Africa. Interviews asked about birth experiences in the USA and Africa, as well as norms and attitudes surrounding childbirth practices. Interview transcripts were coded and themes identified through an iterative process. Results: Participants were aged 25-52 years and had been living in the USA for an average of 7 years. All women had experienced circumcision. Five women had undergone a cesarean delivery. Women feared having a cesarean because of their perception that it could result in death or disability. Women also highlighted that providers in the USA rarely discussed female circumcision or how it could affect childbirth experiences. Conclusions: Previous experiences and cultural beliefs can affect how Somali immigrant women understand labor and delivery practices in the USA and can explain why some women are wary of cesarean delivery. Educating providers and encouraging patient-provider communication about cesarean delivery and female circumcision can ease fears, increase trust, and improve birth experiences for Somali immigrant women in the USA. © 2011 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Somali immigrant women Cesarean delivery female circumcision Female genital mutilation

Index Keywords

personal experience maternal care immigrant interpersonal communication human priority journal maternal attitude United States semi structured interview female Africa clinical article self concept prevalence Article female circumcision adult Somalia pregnant woman childbirth cesarean section attitude to pregnancy labor health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80955144137&doi=10.1016%2fj.ijgo.2011.07.019&partnerID=40&md5=8bb45f1817cf0ee94046de286d9fa5d7
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.07.019
ISSN: 00207292
Cited by: 27
Original Language: English