Exploring research and healthcare priorities in maternal health: A qualitative ethnographic study with mothers from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK

Introduction:

Despite national efforts, inequalities in maternal and infant health persist. Black and Asian women, along with those in deprived areas, face disproportionately high complication and mortality rates. Prioritising research is crucial for improving care experiences for women and families.

Methods:

By adopting a qualitative ethnographic approach, we explored priority areas for research regarding Black, Asian, and ethnic minority mothers accessing healthcare in the UK. Data were gathered through focus groups and analyzed inductively and thematically using NVivo. The study sample comprised 55 women from various ethnic backgrounds, with the largest groups identifying as Black African, Arab, and Asian Pakistani.

Results:

Women outlined key research priorities stemming from significant challenges in accessing maternity care. These included: 1) Communication barriers such as language difficulties, understanding each other and health literacy; 2) Emotional and psychological support, highlighting a need for further research. Women underscored the value of safe spaces for peer support and social interaction; 3) Participants stressed the importance of comprehensive perinatal education, particularly during the transition to parenthood, along with a strong desire for digital resources, information sharing, and networking; 4) High-quality, compassionate, and well-coordinated maternity care remained a primary concern; and 5) Socioeconomic support, including financial assistance, childcare, and resources for essential postnatal needs.

Conclusions:

To tackle these issues, research at both community and individual levels should be commissioned to ensure women’s priority concerns are comprehensively addressed. These findings provide valuable insights that can help shape national efforts to improve maternity care and reduce disparities, by informing policy and improving professional training.