Abstract
Background
Increasing global migration is resulting in a culturally diverse population in the
receiving countries. In Australia, it is estimated that at least four thousand Sub-Saharan
African women give birth each year. To respond appropriately to the needs of these
women, it is important to understand their experiences of maternity care.
Objective
The study aimed to examine the maternity experiences of Sub-Saharan African women
who had given birth in both Sub-Saharan Africa and in Australia.
Design
Using a qualitative approach, 14 semi-structured interviews with Sub-Saharan African
women now living in Australia were conducted. Data was analysed using Braun and Clark’s
approach to thematic analysis.
Findings
Four themes were identified; access to services including health education; birth
environment and support; pain management; and perceptions of care. The participants
experienced issues with access to maternity care whether they were located in Sub-Saharan
Africa or Australia. The study draws on an existing conceptual framework on access
to care to discuss the findings on how these women experienced maternity care.
Conclusion
The study provides an understanding of Sub-Saharan African women’s experiences of
maternity care across countries. The findings indicate that these women have maternity
health needs shaped by their sociocultural norms and beliefs related to pregnancy
and childbirth. It is therefore arguable that enhancing maternity care can be achieved
by improving women’s health literacy through health education, having an affordable
health care system, providing respectful and high quality midwifery care, using effective
communication, and showing cultural sensitivity including family support for labouring
women.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 09, 2016
Accepted:
November 24,
2016
Received in revised form:
November 23,
2016
Received:
August 8,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
