Social vulnerability on maternal health in immigrants. A problem of interculturality

Abstract

The scientific literature indicates how often migrants tend to be the most vulnerable population groups, especially women of childbearing age, that regularly show greater foetal and neonatal mortality, and more complications during pregnancy and postpartum. The study followed a qualitative methodology for collecting and analysing data and was conducted in Porto. Participants were 25 recent immigrant mothers from Eastern European countries, Brazil, Portuguese-speaking African countries and six native Portuguese recent mothers (for comparison), contacted through social associations and institutions. Data suggests that healthcare depends not only on accessibility but especially on social opportunities and intercultural integration in the host country

Keywords

• Social vulnerability
• interculturality
• Maternal Welfare
• Migration