Public Health Nursing
Volume 34, Issue 6, 2017, Pages 531-540

Immigrant Health through the Lens of Home Visitors, Supervisors, and Administrators: The Florida Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (Article)

Jean-Baptiste E.* , Alitz P. , Birriel P.C. , Davis S. , Ramakrishnan R. , Olson L. , Marshall J.
  • a Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
  • b Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
  • c Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
  • d Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
  • e Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
  • f Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
  • g Department of Community and Family Health, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States

Abstract

Objective: The Florida Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program aims to minimize the occurrence of adverse maternal and child health outcomes for mothers deemed at-risk during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. This study sought to understand the needs of and challenges faced by immigrant families in accessing health care through the perspective of Florida MIECHV home visitors, supervisors, and administrators. Design and Sample: In this exploratory qualitative study, focus groups were held at each of the Florida MIECHV-funded program sites with a total of 81 MIECHV staff to discuss how the program addresses a range of participant needs. Measures: Data were collected through 32 semi-structured focus groups. Transcripts were analyzed using a hybrid approach entailing the development of an a priori codebook and thematic analysis. Results: Staff from eight of the 11 programs described social and physical isolation and economic hardship faced by immigrant families enrolled in their programs, resulting in barriers to needed health care and social services. Conclusions: Home visitors in the Florida MIECHV program served as trusted confidants that helped families navigate social services. Future research should focus on the impact that home visiting has on immigrant health and whether this impact is maintained over time. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Author Keywords

qualitative research Barriers access to health care Underserved populations immigrants maternal-child health Program evaluation focus groups

Index Keywords

information processing immigrant economics poverty human social isolation statistics and numerical data health service House Calls health status home visit administrative personnel Social Work qualitative research Health Services Needs and Demand childhood Florida Young Adult Humans migrant psychology maternal child health care Infant, Newborn Emigrants and Immigrants preschool child female Infant Child, Preschool newborn pregnancy child health organization and management Maternal-child Health Services genetic transcription program evaluation thematic analysis adult Focus Groups Health Services Accessibility health care delivery
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85030235250&doi=10.1111%2fphn.12315&partnerID=40&md5=b66cb73a5c0ca7443cf5c29c1e91200a
DOI: 10.1111/phn.12315
ISSN: 07371209
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English