INTRODUCTION:
The batey communities in the sugarcane fields of La Romana, Dominican Republic house thousands of Haitian migrant families. Many of these bateyes lack electricity, potable water and reliable healthcare infrastructure. In 2015 the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a maternal mortality rate of 92/100,000 births in the Dominican Republic but rates within bateyes remain unspecified.
METHODS:
We evaluated barriers related to antenatal care and labor and delivery experience potentially associated with increased maternal mortality risk among Haitian migrant mothers living in bateyes. Under IRB approval qualitative interviews were conducted within 16 bateyes among 68 adult migrant mothers who experienced 1 live birth <3 years. Results were compared to the 2016 WHO recommendations.
RESULTS:
68% of women did not meet the recommended minimum of eight antenatal care contacts. 22% traveled more than two hours for a visit. Relative to WHO recommendations: 93% of women had their blood pressure taken, 88% had urine collected and 79% received at least one ultrasound during a visit. 47% did not initiate prenatal vitamin use until their second trimester. Reasons for this delay were attributed to cost and inconsistent provider access. The WHO recommends establishment of antenatal care by 10 weeks gestation, the average gestational age at first visit among batey mothers was 18 weeks. 91% gave birth in hospital, reflecting strong maternal preference attributable to perceived maternal safety.
CONCLUSION:
In accordance with WHO antenatal care recommendations, optimal care in the bateyes is not fully achieved and warrants further interventional studies assessing consistent provider contact during the first trimester.
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