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Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Experiences and preferences of care among Swedish immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect in the fetus: a qualitative interview study

Authors: Tommy Carlsson, Ulla Melander Marttala, Elisabet Mattsson, Anders Ringnér

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Immigrants experience significant challenges when in contact with healthcare and report less satisfaction with maternity care compared to native Swedes. Research that gives voice to pregnant immigrant women and their partners following a prenatal diagnosis of a fetal anomaly is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore experiences and preferences of care following a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect among Swedish immigrants.

Methods

Pregnant immigrants and their partners were consecutively recruited following a prenatal diagnosis of a congenital heart defect in the fetus. Nine respondents were interviewed in five interviews, four with the aid of a professional interpreter. The material was analyzed using manifest qualitative content analysis.

Results

The analysis resulted in five categories: 1) “Trustworthy information”, 2) “Language barriers”, 3) “Psychosocial situation”, 4) “Peer support”, and 5) “Religious positions”.

Conclusion

The potential need for interpreter services, visual information, psychosocial support, coordination with welfare officers, and respect for religious positions about termination of pregnancy are all important aspects for health professionals to consider when consulting immigrants faced with a prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomaly in the fetus. Peer support within this context needs to be further explored in future studies.
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Metadata
Title
Experiences and preferences of care among Swedish immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defect in the fetus: a qualitative interview study
Authors
Tommy Carlsson
Ulla Melander Marttala
Elisabet Mattsson
Anders Ringnér
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-016-0912-1

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