Cultural competence in maternity care maternity care related to related to majority women with a low socio -economic position

Background: Although maternity care is associated with improved health outcomes, it is often inadequately tailored to the needs of women of low socioeconomic position (SEP) in high-income countries, creating barriers to good health [1]. A study in four large cities in the Netherlands shows that a Western,
non-migration background of women is associated with health inequalities [2]. Access to maternity care for women with low SEP is unsatisfactory for a
number of reasons, according to both women and care providers [3,4,5,6,7]. Culturally competent care delivery by health professionals has the potential
to improve access to adequate care and to improve maternity care outcomes [5,8]. Cultural competence is defined as “the combination of knowledge,
attitudes and skills necessary for care providers to effectively interact with culturally and ethnically diverse patient populations” [9].
Aim(s): The aim of this study is to examine current evidence related to the cultural competencies of maternity care professionals related to majority low
SEP women.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted using inclusion criteria established by the PCC-elements (Participants,Concepts and Context) of the research
question. Data-extraction was performed by two researchers according to a predetermined procedure.The framework of Seeleman (2009)consisting of
Knowledge, Attitude and Skills was used to analyze the data.
Results: Out of 6541 records 32 articles were eligible for data-analysis. Preliminary results show that health care professionals express a lack of knowledge
and skills to assess the socio-economic vulnerability of women and to refer to care options in relation to socio-economic vulnerability. Women experience
a lack of respect, stigma and poor relationships with their health professionals. On the other hand, positive experiences in community settings were
expressed.
Discussion: Preliminary results reveal that the cultural competence of health professionals involved in maternity care related to majority women of low
SEP needs to improve. Professionals should be equipped with knowledge and trained in skills, and further research is recommended. Results call for a
debate about the quality of maternity care for low SEP majority population women. Final results can be presented in an oral presentation because data
analysis will have been completed by then.
Implications and future perspectives: Professionals need to be educated to tailor their care to the needs of majority low SEP women. The conditions and
maternity care systems in which health care professionals are involved in the care of women with low SES should be studied more closely. The findings
call for a debate, with the participation of professionals and women, on the scope and obligations of professional profiles and logistical care structures in
relation to maternity care for women with a low SEP majority.
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