Abstract
Objective To identify the difficulties of midwives in Barcelona (Spain) involved in prenatal care in relation to communication with immigrant women from the Maghreb countries, Senegal and Gambia and their healthcare. Method We performed an observational, descriptive study with data collection through a questionnaire self completed by midwives from the province of Barcelona throughout 2002. Results The mean number of Maghrebi women visited by each midwife was 14 and the mean number from Senegal and Gambia was 11. Sixty-eight percent of the midwives believed that language barriers were a significant difficulty in providing health education. The approach to subjects such as sexuality, physical exercise and diet was problematical. Fifty-three percent of the midwives used additional material. Sixty-six percent had undergone cross-cultural training. Conclusions Communication difficulties hampered the delivery of healthcare. Measures to improve communication should be implemented. Cross-cultural awareness is becoming increasingly important at the beginning of the twenty-first century. The midwives expressed special interest in increasing their knowledge of this subject.
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