Poster Presentation Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society Annual Scientific Conference 2023

Barriers and enablers to accessing child health resources and services: Finding from qualitative interviews with Arabic and Mongolian immigrant mothers in Australia. (#215)

Danielle Jawad 1 2 3 , Li Ming Wen 1 2 3 , Chris Rissel 1 4 , Louise Baur 1 3 5 , Seema Mihrshahi 6 , Sarah Taki 1 2 3
  1. Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
  2. Health Promotion Unit, Population Health Research & Evaluation Hub, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney , NSW, Australia
  3. 3Centre of Research Excellence in Translating Early Prevention of Obesity in Childhood (EPOCH-Translate CRE), Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Rural and Remote Health SA and NT, Darwin, Australia
  5. Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  6. Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Background

Despite the increasing number of immigrants in Australia, the availability of culturally responsive resources and services that cater to their needs remains insufficient.

 

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the resources used by migrant mothers in Australia for child health information and examine how they navigate challenges they encounter.

 

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in language with 20 Arabic and 20 Mongolian speaking migrant mothers of children younger than 2 years or currently pregnant. Data were analysed thematically using the framework method.

 

Results

The reliance on digital platforms and google emerged as a common trend among both cultural groups when seeking child health information. Notably, there were differences in resources selection, with Mongolian mothers showing a preference for Australian-based websites, while Arabic speaking mothers tended to opt for culturally familiar resources. There were various barriers that limited their access to health services and resources, including language barriers, cost, and limited knowledge. Moreover, negative encounters with health professionals, contributed to the perception of unhelpfulness among parents. Both cultural groups employed a cross checking approach across multiple websites to verify trustworthiness of information. Acculturation was shown only among the Mongolian speaking mothers where they adapted their cultural practices in line with their country of residence.

 

Conclusion

 

The findings of this study highlight the importance of addressing the needs of migrant mothers in accessing child health information. Health professionals, government agencies, and researchers have an opportunity to provide culturally competent support by fostering a culturally inclusive approach to developing and promoting equitable access to services and resources, ultimately enhancing the wellbeing of migrant families.