What is the Evidence on the Reduction of Inequalities in Accessibility and Quality of Maternal Health Care Delivery for Migrants? A Review of the Existing Evidence in the WHO European Region [Internet]

Excerpt

The number of female migrants of childbearing age is rapidly increasing, which poses specific maternal health needs. Via a systematic academic literature review and a critical interpretive synthesis of policy frameworks, this review aimed to assess interventions and policies that work to improve the accessibility and the quality of maternal health care for migrants in the WHO European Region. The review demonstrated that most migrant women face poorer maternal health outcomes than non-migrant women throughout the WHO European Region. Identified risk factors are not only linked to pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period but also to events before conception. Migrant women's access to maternal health care is jeopardized by restricted entitlement and problems with familiarity, knowledgeability, acceptability, availability and affordability. Assuring universal access to care and providing culturally sensitive care will enhance access and quality of maternal health care and eventually improve migrant maternal health.