Community Practitioner
Volume 87, Issue 9, 2014, Pages 33-36

Maternal and infant health of Eastern Europeans in Bradford, UK: A qualitative study (Article)

Richards J.* , Kliner M. , Brierley S. , Stroud L.
  • a Academic Unit of Public Health, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
  • b Public Health Department, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, United Kingdom
  • c Public Health Department, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, United Kingdom
  • d Head of Student Education for Primary Care and Public Health, Academic Unit of Public Health, University of Leeds, United Kingdom

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to investigate maternal and infant health needs within Eastern European populations in Bradford. Evidence suggested that migrants from Eastern Europe had poor maternal and child health and increased rates of infant mortality. Health visitors, community midwives and specialist voluntary workers were involved. Eleven interviews took place. They were semi-structured and analysed using a thematic approach. A number of health needs were identified in Eastern European populations, including high rates of smoking and poor diet. Wider determinants of health such as poverty and poor housing were cited as commonplace for Eastern European migrants. There were numerous cultural barriers to health, such as discrimination, mobility, cultural practices regarding age at pregnancy, and disempowerment of women. Lastly, access to health services was identified as a significant issue and this was impacting on staff working with this population. This study demonstrated the complexity and interaction of health and social factors and their influence on utilisation of health services.

Author Keywords

Maternal and infant health Immigration Eastern European

Index Keywords

Europe, Eastern human Eastern Europe Great Britain ethnology qualitative research interview Humans Interviews as Topic Infant, Newborn male female preschool child Infant Child, Preschool newborn Child Welfare Mothers health status indicator cultural factor Health Status Indicators Article mother adult United Kingdom Cultural Characteristics Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84907100037&partnerID=40&md5=1fa45fefd0a6f145138d178334cfc7af
ISSN: 14622815
Cited by: 4
Original Language: English