Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in Pregnant Migrant Women and the Potential of a Digital Support Tool—A Qualitative Study

Emmie Söderström, Ulrika Müssener, Mikaela Löfgren, Linnea Sandell, Kristin Thomas and Marie Löf
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Emmie Söderström: Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
Ulrika Müssener: Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
Mikaela Löfgren: Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
Linnea Sandell: Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
Kristin Thomas: Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
Marie Löf: Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Society and Health, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: Eating healthily and being physically active during pregnancy are important for maternal and offspring health. Maternity healthcare is a key arena for health promotion; however, 20% of pregnant women in Sweden are foreign-born, which may reduce reach due to language and cultural barriers. The aims of this study were to explore healthcare professionals’ perceptions about (a) promoting health behaviors (i.e., healthy diet, physical activity, and weight gain) among Arabic- and Somali-speaking pregnant women and (b) how a translated version of the previously evaluated Swedish app (HealthyMoms) can be tailored and used as a tool in their clinical work. Healthcare professionals in Swedish maternity care ( n = 14) were interviewed. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Healthcare professionals expressed challenges in health promotion work, including cultural and educational aspects and low awareness of health behaviors among women themselves and their social environment. Further, a lack of resources within the clinical practice and a need for cultural awareness among healthcare professionals were highlighted. Finally, it was perceived that a translated app has potential to provide basic and culturally adjusted information, facilitate communication and thus has potential to become a helpful tool in maternity care to support healthy lifestyle behaviors in Arabic- and Somali-speaking pregnant women.

Keywords: mHealth; telemedicine; migrant; healthcare; maternity care; pregnancy; health behavior; qualitative research methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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