Help bring back the celebration of life: A community-based participatory study of rural Aboriginal women’s maternity experiences and outcomes ...

• Main Authors: Varcoe, Colleen, 1952-, Brown, Helen, Calam, Betty, Harvey, Thelma, Tallio, Miranda
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: BioMed Central 2015
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0220709; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0220709

Background: Despite clear evidence regarding how social determinants of health and structural inequities shape health, Aboriginal women’s birth outcomes are not adequately understood as arising from the historical, economic and social circumstances of their lives. The purpose of this study was to understand rural Aboriginal women’s experiences of maternity care and factors shaping those experiences. Methods Aboriginal women from the Nuxalk, Haida and 'Namgis First Nations and academics from the University of British Columbia in nursing, medicine and counselling psychology used ethnographic methods within a participatory action research framework. We interviewed over 100 women, and involved additional community members through interviews and community meetings. Data were analyzed within each community and across communities. Results Most participants described distressing experiences during pregnancy and birthing as they grappled with diminishing local maternity care choices, racism and challenging economic ...