Written narratives from immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis: qualitative exploratory study

Abstract Background Expectant parents often have optimistic expectations of the obstetric ultrasound examination and are unprepared for a diagnosis of foetal anomaly. Research that gives voice to the experiences of immigrants faced with a prenatal diagnosis is scarce, and there is a need for more ex...

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Main Authors: Tommy Carlsson, Banaz Balbas, Elisabet Mattsson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2019-05-01
Series:BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Subjects:
Online Access:http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12884-019-2292-9
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author Tommy Carlsson
Banaz Balbas
Elisabet Mattsson
author_facet Tommy Carlsson
Banaz Balbas
Elisabet Mattsson
author_sort Tommy Carlsson
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Expectant parents often have optimistic expectations of the obstetric ultrasound examination and are unprepared for a diagnosis of foetal anomaly. Research that gives voice to the experiences of immigrants faced with a prenatal diagnosis is scarce, and there is a need for more exploratory research that provides insights into the experiences of these persons. The aim of this study was to explore narratives of experiences of immigrants with Arabic or Sorani interpreter needs when presented with a prenatal diagnosis of foetal anomaly. Methods A web-based tool with open-ended questions was distributed via Arabic and Kurdish non-profit associations and general women’s associations in Sweden. Responses were received from six women and analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results The analysis resulted in three themes: (1) an unexpected hurricane of emotions, (2) trying to understand the situation though information in an unfamiliar language, and (3) being cared for in a country with accessible obstetric care and where induced abortion is legal. Conclusions Immigrant women described an unexpected personal tragedy when faced with a prenatal diagnosis of foetal anomaly, and emphasised the importance of respectful and empathic psychological support. Their experiences of insufficient and incomprehensible information call attention to the importance of tailored approaches and the use of adequate medical interpreting services. There is a need for more descriptive studies that investigate decision-making and preparedness for induced abortion among immigrants faced with a prenatal diagnosis.
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spelling doaj.art-c8ce439eae8c43e6b0f083615b4baab82022-12-22T02:44:07ZengBMCBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth1471-23932019-05-011911710.1186/s12884-019-2292-9Written narratives from immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis: qualitative exploratory studyTommy Carlsson0Banaz Balbas1Elisabet Mattsson2Sophiahemmet UniversityDepartment of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala UniversityDepartment of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala UniversityAbstract Background Expectant parents often have optimistic expectations of the obstetric ultrasound examination and are unprepared for a diagnosis of foetal anomaly. Research that gives voice to the experiences of immigrants faced with a prenatal diagnosis is scarce, and there is a need for more exploratory research that provides insights into the experiences of these persons. The aim of this study was to explore narratives of experiences of immigrants with Arabic or Sorani interpreter needs when presented with a prenatal diagnosis of foetal anomaly. Methods A web-based tool with open-ended questions was distributed via Arabic and Kurdish non-profit associations and general women’s associations in Sweden. Responses were received from six women and analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results The analysis resulted in three themes: (1) an unexpected hurricane of emotions, (2) trying to understand the situation though information in an unfamiliar language, and (3) being cared for in a country with accessible obstetric care and where induced abortion is legal. Conclusions Immigrant women described an unexpected personal tragedy when faced with a prenatal diagnosis of foetal anomaly, and emphasised the importance of respectful and empathic psychological support. Their experiences of insufficient and incomprehensible information call attention to the importance of tailored approaches and the use of adequate medical interpreting services. There is a need for more descriptive studies that investigate decision-making and preparedness for induced abortion among immigrants faced with a prenatal diagnosis.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12884-019-2292-9Consumer health informationCounsellingImmigrantsPrenatal diagnosisSupport
spellingShingle Tommy Carlsson
Banaz Balbas
Elisabet Mattsson
Written narratives from immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis: qualitative exploratory study
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Consumer health information
Counselling
Immigrants
Prenatal diagnosis
Support
title Written narratives from immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis: qualitative exploratory study
title_full Written narratives from immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis: qualitative exploratory study
title_fullStr Written narratives from immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis: qualitative exploratory study
title_full_unstemmed Written narratives from immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis: qualitative exploratory study
title_short Written narratives from immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis: qualitative exploratory study
title_sort written narratives from immigrants following a prenatal diagnosis qualitative exploratory study
topic Consumer health information
Counselling
Immigrants
Prenatal diagnosis
Support
url http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12884-019-2292-9
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AT elisabetmattsson writtennarrativesfromimmigrantsfollowingaprenataldiagnosisqualitativeexploratorystudy