Purpose: This study was done to explore and understand acculturation focusing on reproductive health of immigrant women. Methods: For the research sixteen immigrant women were selected by snowball sampling. Qualitative data were accumulated by in-depth interviews and private document collection. Raw data was analyzed following Mandelbaum's conceptual framework. Results: The dimensions of immigrant women consisted of existence: emerging from the new environment in which it was hard to communicate and to get acquainted with others, reproduction: in the absence of learning and experience, reproductive health crisis, parenting: unmanageable burden. Turnings of life involved 'Inconvenience in one's eyes, vent for conflict and tension: pregnancy', 'strange medical care: accoucheur, rapid medical service', 'pain of morning sickness: poor maternal nutrition', 'manifestation of protective instinct for life'. In adaptations, content was as follows. 1) Standing alone as a Korean housewife, 2) Becoming aware of Korean maternal instinct: thirst for education supporting, 3) Rediscovery of family: growing maternal sense of existence. Conclusion: The results of this study show the acculturation process and the meaning of events related to reproductive health in current lives and can contribute to an integrated understanding of married immigrant women in Korean culture. © 2014 Korean Society of Nursing Science.

Migrants women qualitative research reproductive health Acculturation

South Korea Republic of Korea psychological aspect human Adaptation, Psychological qualitative research interview marriage quality of life Young Adult Humans migrant Interviews as Topic Emigrants and Immigrants Acculturation female adaptive behavior pregnancy cultural factor Parenting Article adult Women Reproductive Health Migrants women child parent relation