Antenatal Care Services for Migrant Workers in Northern Thailand: Challenges, Initiatives, and Recommendations for Improvement

Wungrath, Jukkrit

doi:10.1055/s-0043-1772844

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…The MCH program in Laos centers on enhancing the accessibility, quality, and usage of MCH services, particularly in remote and rural areas. The strategies to realize these goals encompass increasing skilled birth attendance, promoting antenatal and postnatal care, improving family planning services, and enhancing childhood illness management (Wungrath, 2023). The Ministry of Health in Laos oversees these MCH program implementations, frequently in partnership with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and various non-governmental organizations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspectives of Healthcare Providers in Maternal and Child Health Services in BokeoProvince, Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A Qualitative Study

Kapheak,

Theerawasttanasiri,

Khumphoo

et al. 2023

JPSS

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In Bokeo province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the high rates of poverty and poor health outcomes are striking. According to data collected from the Lao government, the area has a high mortality rate among mothers and children under five years old. Consequently, there is an urgent need for significant enhancements in maternal and child health (MCH) services. This study aims to investigate the perspectives of healthcare providers on the MCH situation, difficulties, challenges, and potential solutions for the growth and implementation of MCH services. We conducted in-depth interviews with 45 healthcare providers from varying healthcare system levels using qualitative methods. The key findings are as follows: Healthcare providers demonstrate a strong understanding of MCH policies, acknowledgment of national objectives, and dedication to personal growth. However, significant obstacles exist, including access barriers for ethnic minorities, transportation complications, inadequate healthcare personnel, and insufficient equipment and infrastructure. Healthcare providers have also indicated a need for more training and opportunities for professional development to improve MCH outcomes. To enhance MCH outcomes in Bokeo province, addressing these challenges and supporting healthcare providers in their quest for self-improvementis essential. The findings of our study can aid in creating targeted interventions and policies to improve MCH outcomes in Bokeo province and similar regions. By focusing on critical areas such as antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, immunizations, nutrition, family planning, health education, and access to healthcare, we can strive towards improved health outcomes and reduced mortality rates.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perspectives of Healthcare Providers in Maternal and Child Health Services in BokeoProvince, Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A Qualitative Study

Kapheak,

Theerawasttanasiri,

Khumphoo

et al. 2023

JPSS

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“…These barriers include limited technological infrastructure and connectivity, geographic isolation, and a lack of digital literacy. In regions like Bokeo Province, Laos, additional challenges arise from the diverse ethnic makeup, leading to language and cultural barriers (Wungrath, 2023). Resource constraints further exacerbate the situation, as limited access to digital devices and affordable data plans impede the effective use of digital communication tools.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These factors are especially critical in MCH services, where timely communication is essential. This context highlights the necessity for a comprehensive strategy to enhance communication systems, encompassing improvements in infrastructure, digital literacy, and cultural understanding while ensuring privacy and security in digital communications (Krissana et al, 2024;Wungrath, 2023).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing a Social Media-Based Communication System Between Rural Healthcare Providers and Expert Medical Personnel in Bokeo Province, Laos PDR

Kapheak,

Theerawasttanasiri,

Khumphoo

et al. 2024

JPSS

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This qualitative study investigates the development of a social media-based communication system designed to enhance interprofessional communication in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services between rural healthcare providers and expert medical personnel (EMP) in Bokeo Province, Laos. The study addresses the issue of high maternal mortality rates attributed to poor infrastructure and the lack of timely medical interventions. It proposes using WhatsApp, a popular social media platform in Laos, to bridge this communication gap. Employing a participatory action research approach, the study involved 269 healthcare providers and four EMPs in focus group discussions. These discussions were instrumental in identifying unique communication challenges and potential solutions. Thematic analysis of the data revealed significant barriers to seeking expert advice and underscored the potential of digital health solutions like WhatsApp in overcoming these obstacles. To successfully implement such a system, considerations must include privacy, professionalism, consistent internet connectivity, adequate training, and clear usage guidelines. This study informs the development of a context-specific, comprehensive strategy that integrates technological, infrastructural, financial, educational, and cultural elements to enhance MCH outcomes in remote areas of Laos.

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Myanmar immigrant women’s perceptions, beliefs, and information-seeking behaviors with nutrition and food practices during pregnancy in Thailand: a qualitative study

Nuampa,

Tangsuksan,

Sasiwongsaroj

et al. 2024

Int J Equity Health

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Background Although nutrition is an essential contributor to the quality of pregnancy outcomes, little is known about the experiences and influences affecting dietary behaviors during pregnancy among migrant women, particularly those from Myanmar, the largest immigrant population in Thailand. To fill this gap, we conducted a descriptive qualitative study to explore Myanmar immigrant women’s perceptions, beliefs, and information-seeking behaviors concerning nutrition and food practices during pregnancy. Methods We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with fifty Myanmar immigrant pregnant women aged 18–45 years across all trimesters, who were recruited using purposive sampling from a public tertiary hospital. The FGDs were conducted in Thai or Myanmar using semi-structured guides that probed women’s pregnancy perceptions and experiences about nutrition and food patterns during pregnancy. The FGDs were audio-recorded, translated, and transcribed. Direct content analysis was used to guide the analysis through an ecological perspective framework. Results The seven FGDs with fifty women revealed four major themes involving perceptions, beliefs, and information-seeking behaviors. The qualitative results consisted of (1) a positive attitude toward better changes under difficult conditions (setting goals for infant health; uncertainty about changes); (2) beliefs about eating patterns and dietary practices during pregnancy (taboos aimed at protecting women’s health and ensuring safe childbirth; taboos aimed at guaranteeing infant safety); (3) limited access to appropriate information about nutrition (unclear dietary information from healthcare providers; ease of learning from experiences in informal social networks); and (4) difficult living conditions in a non-native setting (work-related influences on dietary behaviors; lack of comprehensible language to gain food literacy). In addition, the results were highlighted across four levels of ecological perspectives. Conclusions Immigrant pregnant women are a vulnerable population that should be treated with equity to ensure quality of life through optimal nutrition throughout pregnancy. Respectful care requires that healthcare providers develop culturally sensitive nutrition interventions to increase nutrition literacy, accessibility, and pregnancy outcomes.

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Antenatal Care Services for Migrant Workers in Northern Thailand: Challenges, Initiatives, and Recommendations for Improvement

Cited by 3 publications

References 29 publications

Perspectives of Healthcare Providers in Maternal and Child Health Services in BokeoProvince, Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A Qualitative Study

Perspectives of Healthcare Providers in Maternal and Child Health Services in BokeoProvince, Lao People’s Democratic Republic: A Qualitative Study

Developing a Social Media-Based Communication System Between Rural Healthcare Providers and Expert Medical Personnel in Bokeo Province, Laos PDR

Myanmar immigrant women’s perceptions, beliefs, and information-seeking behaviors with nutrition and food practices during pregnancy in Thailand: a qualitative study

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