Comparison between pregnant Southeast Asian immigrant and Taiwanese women in terms of pregnancy knowledge, attitude toward pregnancy, medical service experiences and prenatal care behaviors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare pregnant Southeast Asian immigrant and Taiwanese women in terms of their respective pregnancy knowledge, attitudes toward pregnancy, medical service experiences and prenatal care behaviors. Findings should provide a reference for the formulation of healthcare policies. This study used a cross-sectional design. Subjects were recruited from township/ village communities or the outpatient services of local health centers in Kaohsiung County, southern Taiwan. Women between the 28th week of gestation and one year post-delivery were recruited. A total of 132 Southeast Asian immigrants and 127 Taiwanese women were included in this study. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Research instruments included the Demographic Inventory Scale, Knowledge of Pregnancy Scale, Attitude toward Pregnancy Scale, Experience of Medical Services Scale, and Prenatal Care Behavior Scale. Results showed scores of Southeast Asian immigrant women to be lower than those of Taiwanese women in terms pregnancy knowledge, attitude toward pregnancy, and medical service experiences. In terms of prenatal care behaviors, 26 Southeast Asian immigrant women (19.7%) did not receive prenatal care during the first three months, while 54 (40.9%) did not receive periodic prenatal care. These two prenatal care behavior scores for Southeast Asian immigrant women were significantly lower than those for Taiwanese women. Healthcare professionals should provide healthcare education to Southeast Asian immigrant women, assist their families to adopt family planning, and provide appropriate information on prenatal care and local medical services as well as consultation channels so that they can obtain accurate knowledge on the healthcare system and appreciate the purpose and importance of prenatal care.