107 Using film to address reproductive health among Central African immigrants/ refugees resettled in Utah

Faculty Mentor: Sara Simonsen (Nursing, University of Utah)

This study investigated the knowledge and values surrounding reproductive and preconception health in a community of Central African refugees resettled in Utah and how the use of community representing film impacted their perspectives. We aimed to highlight main themes expressed by community members. Our team constructed a culturally appropriate film about a Central African refugee couple attending a PCC visit. A total of 22 male and female Central African refugees participated in this study. Demographic data was collected prior to the viewing using surveys and one-to one interviews with participants and interpreters. Qualitative data was collected in interpreter lead focus groups after the viewing. The focus group recorded transcripts were translated from Kirundi to English with gender designation. Inductive codes were created for novel insights shared by participants. After the review, the codes were then organized into categories and themes.

Qualitative analysis of the participants discussion produced three overarching themes: preparation, planning, and the role of the partner. Most of the preparation discussion explained the importance of planning for birth rather than pregnancy. Participants described how to be healthy during pregnancy with only few mentions of health preconception. Planning was discussed within the importance of pregnancy spacing. Participants stated that in general their community does not use pregnancy spacing methods and then later agreed to the importance of it. Lastly participants seemed to be impacted by the husband’s accompaniment with the wife to a PCC visit. This initiated conversation about the role of a husband in the health of the pregnancy including reducing stress and working on the health of their parenting relationship. Overall, the film was well received, and many participants described it as “helpful”.

The use of PCC is an essential step in addressing the birth outcomes and maternal health of American women. Refugees are an underserved population that benefits from consideration and inclusion in education about PCC. Healthcare providers and educators can be more effective by considering the cultural beliefs and knowledge of African refugees when discussing PCC and must also include strategies to overcome language and communication barriers.