Influence of culture, religion and experience on the decision of Pakistani women in Lothian, Scotland to use postnatal contraception: a qualitative study
Annette Gallimore, Tasneem Irshad, Michelle Cooper, Sharon Cameron
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests that Pakistani women may experience difficulty accessing postnatal contraceptive (PNC) services. The study aimed to identify experience and decision-making around PNC provision for Pakistani women in Lothian, and to explore the views and experience of maternity staff who provide PNC counselling. METHODS: Qualitative research including focus groups and 1:1 semi-structured interviews with women and staff. Participants were first- and second-generation Pakistani women with a child/children aged up to 5 years, or pregnant; community and hospital midwives, obstetric doctors who counsel or provide PNC. Data were coded and categorised using QSR NVIVO10. Inductive thematic analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Women were receptive to discussion of contraception, including antenatally, and welcomed translated information. Some said the decision on PNC was theirs or made jointly with their husband; however, they acknowledged that in some marriages the husband will take the decision. Women stated they may face family expectation to have a baby early in marriage. Language was identified as a challenge by maternity staff, who utilised translation services to ensure women received the information they needed on contraception. CONCLUSIONS: Pakistani women value antenatal discussion about PNC. Maternity staff have an important role in providing quality information on contraception and should be supported with translated resources in a range of formats. Most importantly, staff should adopt a tailored approach to identify the individual woman's needs and preferences.