Pregnancy and Childbirth Experiences of First Generation Filipino Immigrant Women in the United States

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Thesis

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Program Concentration

Certified Nurse Midwifery

Abstract

"Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the pregnancy and childbirth experiences of first generation Filipino immigrant mothers, and to shed light on how women formulated decisions regarding their obstetric care. Background: Filipinos are among the largest Asian subgroup to migrate to the United States, yet there is a lack of studies that focus on this population's health status, and how they are informed about the health care system in the United States. Furthermore, there is a marginalization in federal health care assistance within the Filipino community. These factors can pose problems for first generation Filipino immigrants who face a health care issue and can pose even larger trials on expectant mothers who are new to the United States. Research Questions: What are the pregnancy and childbirth experiences among first generation Filipino immigrant women in the United States? Specific aims were: (1) Investigating how first generation Filipino immigrant women can be better informed about (a) their health and (b) their provider choices for obstetric care, from the women's perspectives (2) To explore their care needs, congruent with their health care beliefs and practices, that they consider absent from the current Western model of care. Significance: Nurses who are culturally competent can provide unsurpassed quality care for her patients. That is why there is a need of knowledge pertaining to how the health care community can better inform first generation Filipino immigrant women about their health and their provider choices for obstetric care. Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive study. IRB approval was obtained. Data was gathered via in-person interviews which were subsequently transcribed verbatim for analysis.


Conventional content analysis approach was used to analyze the transcriptions and develop common themes emerging from the interviews. Sample: A convenience sample of ten women were recruited via snowball technique and active recruitment by means of posting flyers in areas such as churches and community centers throughout Western Washington known to be heavily populated by Filipino immigrants. Recruitment took place over an eight month period from October 2010 to May 2011. Two out-of-state participants who heard about the study by word of mouth were interviewed over the telephone. Results: The following themes emerged from the interviews: Cultural Conflict as a Result of Misinformation during the Times of Pregnancy and Postpartum; (2) The Importance of Honoring Filipino Traditions during Childbirth and Postpartum Period in the American Healthcare System, and (3) The Gratitude for Positive Childbirth Experiences. Conclusions and Implications: There are elements of the Filipino culture that can and should be incorporated into common-day obstetrical practice. Based on the encounters of the participants, Filipino immigrant women had similar objections and praises when discussing their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. As providers, it is crucial to be the advocates of health maintenance and safety of our patients. Minor adjustments surrounding a more sensitive format in which we educate our patients in relation to their obstetrical options, in addition to being cognizant of the different cultural practices, traditions, and beliefs will ensure a more satisfied patient, but most importantly, a new mother who can be confident of her decisions during a momentous time of her life."

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