Pregnancy outcomes and migration in Switzerland: results from a focus group study

Abstract

To explore the issues of pregnancy and delivery in migrant women in their interaction with the Swiss healthcare system. Focus groups were conducted with women of the Turkish and Portuguese communities. Swiss women were included as the reference group. Interpreters were used when needed. Group discussions were recorded and transcribed; all communications were categorized by specific themes and subdivided as to content. Eight focus groups were held: there were a total of 40 participants including 14 Turkish, 17 Portuguese, 9 Swiss. The study revealed that migrant women in Switzerland face stressful situations, which may differ according to nationality and length of stay in the country. Main factors negatively affecting pregnancy were stress due to precarious living conditions, heavy work during pregnancy, inadequate communication with healthcare providers, and feelings of racism and discrimination in society. Main findings of this qualitative study confirm that migrant communities need focused health attention because of numerous barriers to healthcare experienced in Switzerland. Improving the reproductive health of the migrant community is a priority that can be addressed by public health interventions, including integration of migrants into the society, strict observance of labor regulations, improved communication with healthcare providers, and better information targeting migrant communities.