A qualitative study of the experience of maternity care for BAME women
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study of the lived experience of maternity care in NHS Lothian amongst BAME (Black, Asian and other ethnic minority) women
IRAS ID
288336
Contact name
Jeeva R John
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 5 days
Research summary
Black women in the UK were five times more likely to die in pregnancy than White women, while Asian women were twice as likely to die in the latest MBRRACE report. There has also been evidence of clear differences in the risk of severe maternal morbidities between different ethnic groups on a national basis in the U.K. Nonetheless, despite the abundance of epidemiological evidence, there persists an unawareness of BAME women's lived experiences and specific concerns during pregnancy, including their interactions with the health care system. Knowledge of this experience could support the improvement of maternity care provision.
This study would be an essential area of research into the social and cultural aspects of pregnancy, which may vary amongst different minority ethnic groups, and intersect with structural racism within the health care system.
This study aims to uncover the difficulties BAME women may face in seeking antenatal care, the obstacles healthcare professionals face in providing adequate care, the limiting factors to healthcare advocacy, and evidence of changes that may positively affect women’s health. We propose qualitative interviews via telephone/MS teams/ face to face (Covid-19 restrictions allowing) with approximately 20 pregnant women who self identify as BAME. Recruitment will be via signposting at initial booking appointment with community midwife. We will attempt to do follow up interviews with these women, with their consent, and therefore anticipate a maximum of 40 interviews. The secondary aspect of this study includes 2 focus group discussions with NHS Lothian health care professionals involved in maternity care provision i.e. obstetricians and midwives. We will aim to recruit approximately 6 HCPs per FGD. These FGDs will be conducted either face to face (with social distancing measures in place) as part of MDT maternity teaching schedule or virtually if Covid-19 restrictions do not allow for face to face discussions.REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
20/WS/0168
Date of REC Opinion
24 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion