Exploring disparities in prenatal care between refugees and local South African women. Issue 2 (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kibiribiri, Edith T.; Moodley, Dhayendre; Groves, Allison K.; Sebitloane, Motshedisi H.
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics. Volume 132:Issue 2(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 151
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Disparities -- Prenatal care -- Refugees -- South Africa; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.07.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7292

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To explore possible disparities in prenatal care between refugees and South African women attending public health facilities in an urban setting in South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed methods study was conducted at four public health clinics providing prenatal services in Durban between January 29, 2013, and June 15, 2013. Pretested client-satisfaction questionnaires were administered to 200 women attending immunization services at the clinics whose infants were aged 6 months or younger. An additional 16 refugees participated in in-depth interviews. Finally, a maternity chart audit was conducted to compare the quality of basic prenatal care. Results: Among the women enrolled, 78 (39.0%) were refugees and 122 (61.0%) were South African citizens. Dissatisfaction was reported by 23 (19.3%) of 119 citizens and 32 (43.2%) of 74 refugees ( P < 0.001). However, the maternity chart audit of 68 participants (31 refugees, 37 citizens) did not reveal significant disparities in the quality of prenatal care. The most recurring categories arising in the in-depth interviews were linguistic barriers and the challenges faced when using informal interpreters. Conclusion: There were no significant disparities in prenatal care; however, refugees unable to communicate in the local languages reported that they were not provided with relevant health information and occasionally faced restricted access to prenatal services.