Immigrant women’s access and utilization of perinatal health services in southern Alberta

Abstract

Immigration is widely recognized as a defining characteristic of Canada (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2024). Disparities in access to quality healthcare emerge when gender, ethnicity, and race place individuals at a social disadvantage, increasing risks of stigmatization, discrimination, and unequal treatment (World Health Organization, 2018). Women who receive early and consistent prenatal care typically experience improved health outcomes. However, multiple studies have repeatedly demonstrated that women from refugee and migrant backgrounds encounter significantly poorer perinatal outcomes (Heslehurst, 2018; Väisänen, Remes, & Martikainen, 2022; Sturrock et al., 2020; Behboudi-Gandevani et al., 2022). Over the past fifteen years, the migration of women of reproductive age to Canada has doubled, demonstrating the need for targeted investigation into their healthcare access and utilization. Therefore, this study aims to improve understanding of the perinatal experiences of immigrant women in Southern Alberta and contribute to the expanding literature on this subject.

This research employed an exploratory qualitative design utilizing an interpretive approach, which was guided by intersectionality theory as the theoretical framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven women from immigrant backgrounds. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis (2022) was applied to examine the data and identify key themes.

The study’s findings expanded understanding of the perinatal experiences of immigrant women in Southern Alberta and revealed intersecting factors that facilitate or hinder access to essential health services. Sharing these experiences may inform the development of policies and interventions that aim to improve the level of care and healthcare utilization within this population.