title: Maternal and infant health of Eastern Europeans in Bradford, UK: a qualitative study.
abstract: This qualitative study aimed to investigate maternal and infant health needs within Eastern European populations in Bradford. Evidence suggested that migrants from Eastern Europe had poor maternal and child health and increased rates of infant mortality. Health visitors, community midwives and specialist voluntary workers were involved. Eleven interviews took place. They were semi-structured and analysed using a thematic approach. A number of health needs were identified in Eastern European populations, including high rates of smoking and poor diet. Wider determinants of health such as poverty and poor housing were cited as commonplace for Eastern European migrants. There were numerous cultural barriers to health, such as discrimination, mobility, cultural practices regarding age at pregnancy, and disempowerment of women. Lastly, access to health services was identified as a significant issue and this was impacting on staff working with this population. This study demonstrated the complexity and interaction of health and social factors and their influence on utilisation of health services.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: Merav
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kliner
authors.forename: Shirley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brierley
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stroud
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005061:Europe, Eastern / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers; D036301:Qualitative Research; D006113:United Kingdom