Parental health and wellbeing are linked closely to positive development outcomes during the First 1000 Days (conception to 2 years) in a child’s life.
However, in the first study of its kind, researchers from Adelaide University and Flinders University have explored the biological, psychological and social wellbeing of mothers with refugee backgrounds during that key developmental period.
The findings, published in the journal BMC Women’s Health, emphasise the importance of culturally responsive continuity of care models to effectively address the unique challenges faced by these communities.
Adelaide University psychology researchers Dr Amelia Winter, and Associate Professor Clemence Due worked with Professor Anna Ziersch from Flinders University, to interview 43 people consisting of Syrian and Afghan refugee or migrant women, and healthcare providers.
“Research with mothers with refugee background around pregnancy and post-partum health has typically focused on just one area, like their physical health, psychological distress or mental illness,” said Dr Winter.
“We adopted a Biopsychosocial Model for our research, as it considers a person in a holistic way – how their physical health might intersect with their mental health and their social environment.
“This approach is important for migrant and refugee families given the challenges they may face navigating health services and family life in a new country.”
Through the interview process, the researchers were able to group the experiences of the women and healthcare providers into four key themes.
“These capture the importance of empowering families to make decisions around healthcare in the first 1000 days, barriers and facilitators to accessing care, the role of family support, and parenting in a new country,” said Dr Winter.
“These themes identified significant challenges to new mothers in navigating the First 1000 Days and accessing appropriate formal and informal supports over this time of significant change, with impacts on their wellbeing.”
Associate Professor Clemence Due said the findings highlight the urgent need for health services that are tailored to the experiences of migrant and refugee families.
“We know that continuity of care in the First 1000 Days is important for all families,” Associate Professor Due said.
“However, this study has identified the additional supports that migrant and refugee families need to ensure the wellbeing of both children and caregivers in this key developmental period.
“These services should make sure women can maintain their autonomy, are informed of their options and referred to relevant services, and that their unique cultural and resettlement contexts are understood.”