“Un abrazo a la distancia”: An Exploration of Spanish-Speaking Women’s Experiences with Pregnancy and Social Isolation in an Urban U.S. Setting
- 14 September 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Hispanic Health Care International
- Vol. 20 (2), 107-114
- https://doi.org/10.1177/15404153211041013
Abstract
Introduction: Research on Spanish-speaking Latina/Hispanic women's experiences during pregnancy is limited. Methods: We recruited women from urban, walk-in pregnancy testing clinics from June 2014 to June 2015. Women aged 16–44 years, at less than 24 weeks gestational age, who spoke either English or Spanish were eligible and completed an enrollment questionnaire and individual interview according to language preference. During qualitative interviews, we explored pregnancy intentions, initial reactions to a new pregnancy, and feelings about the impact of this pregnancy on relationships and daily life. Qualitative narrative content analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti software. Results: Among interviews with 31 Spanish-speaking Latina/Hispanic pregnant women, participants’ average age was 28 years old with a mean gestational age of 7 weeks. We identified social isolation as the most common theme, characterized by four interwoven and overlapping subthemes: (1) sola—the experience of feeling alone; (2) familismo cercano—the importance of close relationships; (3) familismo lejano—overcoming long distance relationships; and (4) mi patria—preserving homeland cultural connectedness. Conclusions: Spanish-speaking Latina/Hispanic pregnant women described experiencing multiple aspects of social isolation. Language preference may suggest risk of social isolation, necessitating provider awareness and support initiatives to improve social support and lessen social isolation among newly pregnant, Spanish-speaking Latina women.Keywords
Funding Information
- Yale University Medical Student Research Fellowship
- NIH CTSA ULI (TR000142)
- Albert McKern Scholar Awards for Perinatal Research
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (T35DK104689)
This publication has 29 references indexed in Scilit:
- Using the framework method for the analysis of qualitative data in multi-disciplinary health researchBMC Medical Research Methodology, 2013
- Psychological Science on Pregnancy: Stress Processes, Biopsychosocial Models, and Emerging Research IssuesAnnual Review of Psychology, 2011
- Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health PolicyJournal of Health and Social Behavior, 2010
- Prospective Assessment of Pregnancy Intentions Using a Single‐ Versus a Multi‐Item MeasurePerspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2009
- Methodological challenges in cross-language qualitative research: A research reviewInternational Journal of Nursing Studies, 2009
- Experiences of immigrant new mothers with symptoms of depressionArchives of Women's Mental Health, 2008
- Familialism, social support, and stress: Positive implications for pregnant Latinas.Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, 2008
- Conceptualisation, development, and evaluation of a measure of unplanned pregnancyJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2004
- Social Relationships and HealthScience, 1988
- Hispanic Familism and Acculturation: What Changes and What Doesn't?Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 1987