Reproductive health decision-making among US-dwelling Somali Bantu refugee women: A qualitative study.

Abstract

To explore Somali Bantu refugee women's reproductive health decision-making, as influenced by their resettlement in the USA. Available literature on reproductive health of refugee women is mostly from the healthcare provider perspective, neglecting the lived experience of the population. Qualitative descriptive. A purposive sample of 30 women was recruited for five focus groups. Data were collected via demographic survey and semi-structured focus group discussion. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Our study revealed that Somali Bantu women considered children as wealth. Reproductive health decision-making was influenced by three main factors: family influence, cultural/religious ideas and experience with various hormonal birth control methods. Nurses and other healthcare providers would better serve refugee women if equipped with a more nuanced understanding of factors in their reproductive healthcare decision-making. This study can inform tailored and cultural relevant interventions to improve reproductive health among those at greatest need. Our findings can serve to guide nurses and other healthcare providers' clinical approach to a subset of the population whose cultural beliefs and practices regarding reproductive health may be unfamiliar. Incorporating the perspective of the Somali Bantu women will facilitate the provision of person-centred care and ensure women receive appropriate, efficient and quality care that meets their needs, which may potentially reduce financial costs to the healthcare system.