Maternal Health Literacy Among Migrant Women: A Co-Design Study in Portugal

Abstract

Introduction: Migrant women often experience significant disparities in maternal health outcomes compared to host populations. These disparities result from factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, and limited health literacy. Health literacy plays a critical role in empowering pregnant women to find, understand, evaluate, remember, and use essential health information for maintaining maternal and infant well-being. Despite its recognized importance, there is a shortage of tailored interventions for these populations. This study aims to address this gap by using a co-design intervention to enhance maternal health literacy among African migrant women.Methods: A co-design approach, informed by the Ophelia (Optimizing Health Literacy and Access) methodology, was employed, involving pregnant migrant women and community workers (social workers and healthcare professionals). Qualitative data from idea generation workshops were thematically analyzed, complemented by a descriptive analysis of sociodemographic questionnaire responses.Results: Three main themes emerged from the workshop data. Health Literacy Barriers included financial constraints, lack of family support, low digital literacy, and cultural differences between women and healthcare providers. Participants also highlighted bureaucratic challenges in accessing healthcare services, particularly due to administrative staff’s limited understanding of migrant women's rights. Resources and Strengths encompassed personal resilience, proactive information-seeking behaviors, and the support provided by community associations, valued for offering emotional and psychological care in addition to bureaucratic help. Proposed Interventions included the creation of community support networks, personalized maternal health education sessions, mental health support programs, and training for healthcare providers in culturally sensitive care. Community workers stressed the need for better communication, empathy, and advocacy for equitable access to maternal healthcare.Discussion/Conclusion: This study highlights the effectiveness of a participatory co-design approach in developing maternal health interventions for migrant women. The proposed interventions align with the needs and cultural contexts of this population, offering a promising framework for improving health outcomes. Although the small sample size and geographic focus may limit generalizability, the insights provide valuable direction for future research.