Culturally and linguistically diverse men's experiences of support following perinatal death: A qualitative study.

Abstract

To explore culturally and linguistically diverse men's experiences of support after perinatal death, including barriers and facilitators to support and how healthcare providers, systems and policies can best support families. Many groups of culturally and linguistically diverse families in Australia are at higher risk of experiencing perinatal death. Culturally sensitive bereavement services are essential; however, there has been no previous research specifically examining culturally and linguistically diverse men's experiences of support following perinatal death. Individual semi-structured interviews were completed with healthcare providers, community leaders and culturally and linguistically diverse men who had experienced a perinatal death in Australia (n=16). Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis and COREQ guidelines were followed. Men's need for support following perinatal death was associated with stigma, and shaped by culturally-relevant religion and ritual, and connection to community and family. Significant barriers to men seeking and gaining support included challenges with self-advocacy and navigating the woman-centred nature of perinatal care in Australia. Culturally and linguistically diverse men's specific needs should be included in the development of policy and practice surrounding perinatal death. While perinatal bereavement care guidelines acknowledge the importance of culturally informed care following perinatal death, there remains a lack of culturally specific supports available, particularly for culturally and linguistically diverse men. Specific recommendations from this research include increasing community liaison officers or cultural consultants in hospitals and support organisations; providing culturally and linguistically diverse support groups; adopting family-centred and father-inclusive language in all perinatal death support services and ensuring clear communication and targeted assistance for culturally and linguistically diverse men to self-advocate for their baby and access to support. This study came out of consultation with community members and member checking of results was conducted to ensure adequate representation of participants' views.