Women with non-Swedish speaking background and their children: a longitudinal study of uptake of care and maternal and child health

Fabian, H.; Rådestad, I.; Rodriguez, A.; Waldenström, U.

Acta Paediatrica 97(12): 1721-1728

2008


ISSN/ISBN: 1651-2227
PMID: 18673360
DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2008.00974.x
Document Number: 204384
To study uptake of care at the antenatal and child health clinic (CHC), and maternal and child health up to 5 years after the birth, as reported by mothers with a non-Swedish speaking background (NSB). A sample of 300 women with a NSB, 175 originated from a poor country and 125 originated from a rich country, were compared with a reference group of 2761 women with a Swedish speaking background. Four postal questionnaires were completed: during pregnancy, and 2 months, 1 year and 5 years after the birth. Mothers with a NSB from a poor country of origin did not differ from the reference group of mothers with a Swedish speaking background regarding number of clinic visits, but they had a lower attendance rate at antenatal and postnatal education classes. Depressive symptoms, parental stress and poor self-rated health were more common in these women, and they reported more psychological and behavioral problems in their 5-year olds. Women with a rich country origin did not differ from the reference group regarding maternal and child health, but had a lower uptake of all out-patient care, except parental classes after the birth. Women originating from a poor country seem to be under great stress during pregnancy and the child's first years.

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