Increasing U.S. Maternal Health Equity Among Immigrant Populations Through Community Engagement.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2024

Publication Title

Nurs Womens Health

Keywords

washington; spokane; diversity; Pregnancy; Child; Female; United States; Humans; Maternal Health; Mothers; Doulas; Delivery of Health Care; Emigrants and Immigrants

Abstract

Immigrant women in the United States are at an elevated risk of poor maternal health outcomes due to cultural, linguistic, or socioeconomic barriers that may lead to critical delays in obtaining adequate health care. Ensuring access to high-quality, culturally appropriate perinatal health care is crucial to improve the health and well-being of immigrant mothers and their children. Various aspects of perinatal health care for immigrant women can be improved through community engagement strategies. Barriers can be addressed by involving community members in designing and delivering culturally appropriate maternal health services. Some strategies discussed in this commentary include working with community health workers, encouraging telehealth through community health workers, providing breastfeeding and mental health support within cultural norms, and involving community-based doulas and midwives.

Clinical Institute

Kidney & Diabetes

Department

Endocrinology

Department

Nephrology

Department

Population Health

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