A new multi-phased, participatory research project will identify ways to improve models of care for African women from refugee backgrounds in Australia.
Little is known about the models of maternal and child health care for African women from refugee backgrounds in Australia.
However, a new research project is seeking to change this, by providing a platform for women from refugee backgrounds to actively participate in discussions about their health care – with their service providers.
Dr Carolyne Njue, Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow from the School of Public Health, is leading the research.
By engaging women from refugee backgrounds in discussions about the maternal and child health care available to them, Dr Njue hopes to empower these women.
Sharing power and listening deeply has the potential to empower vulnerable populations.
Dr Carolyne Njue
Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow
“Allowing these women to voice their views to health care providers will provide opportunity for multi-issue deliberations, so that we can arrive at solutions that meet the needs of this population,” Dr Njue says.
The health issues faced by African women from refugee backgrounds are often complicated by health issues specific to their birth country, as well as by migration experience.
For instance, African women from refugee backgrounds experience increased odds of perineal trauma during normal birth, and are more likely to experience perinatal mental illness, which may be amplified by pre- and post-settlement trauma and stress.
And while African women from refugee backgrounds and Australian-born women face similar maternal health concerns, their health outcomes could not be more different.
There is evidence to show that these refugee women have an increased likelihood of perinatal mortality, have higher risk pregnancies and have the highest estimated prevalence of female genital mutilation.
Dr Carolyne Njue
Compounded by other challenges, including health literacy, cultural beliefs and measuring success, the delivery of quality maternal and child health care to these women is an ongoing challenge.
“With this research project, we want to strengthen models of care by listening to, and collaborating with stakeholders at all levels,” Dr Njue says.
Read the full study: Models of maternal and child healthcare for African refugees [opens external site]
Dr Njue's article was completed during the 12 Weeks to Publication program. To find out more about this, please email health.research.office@uts.edu.au