Perinatal outcomes among migrant mothers in the United Kingdom: is it a matter of biology, behaviour, policy, social determinants or access to health care?

Shuby Puthussery

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 Good Health and Well
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Abstract

This paper examines trends in perinatal outcomes among migrant mothers in the UK, and it explores potential contributors to disparities focusing on pregnancy, birth and the first year of life. Trends in perinatal outcomes indicate that ethnic minority grouping, regardless of migrant status, is a significant risk factor for unfavourable outcomes. It is unclear whether migrant status per se adds to this risk as within-group comparisons between UK-born and foreign-born women show variable findings. The role of biological and behavioural factors in producing excess unfavourable outcomes among ethnic minority mothers, although indicated, is yet to be fully understood. UK policies have salient aspects that address ethnic inequalities, but their wide focus obscures provisions for migrant mothers. Direct associations between socio-economic factors, ethnicity and adverse infant outcomes are evident. Evidence is consistent about differential access to and utilisation of health services among ethnic minority mothers, in particular recently arrived migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Contribution to journal Article Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 39-50

Journal (Volume, Issue Number)

Best Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Volume 32)

Publication milestones

Published - 01/04/2016

Publication status

Published - 01/04/2016

ISSN

1521-6934

External Publication IDs

handle.net: 10547/604734
Scopus: 84961213706

Access to documents

10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2015.09.003

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