The Perinatal Experience of Kenyan Immigrant Women
Date of Conferral
2018
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Health
Advisor
Catherine Garner
Abstract
Perinatal experiences of mothers in general have an impact on the well-being of the mother and child. It is however not known what the experiences of Kenyan immigrant mothers are in regards to their culture and immigration status. The purpose of this study was to explore the perinatal experiences of Kenyan immigrant mothers with respect to their cultural background and immigration to the United States. The study approach used for this study was a qualitative phenomenological approach. A total of 20 women participated in the study in a focus group session. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory was used to examine how the different environmental factors around an individual affect them and influence their life as well as decisions. The results of the study showed that the various layers of the ecological system have a significant role in an individual's life, especially when that individual is exposed to a new environment. Future studies should examine the experiences of single, young, and new mothers who do not have a social support system and family around to support them. The findings from this study can promote positive social change by informing the public health community about the issues that arose as well as assisting in developing programs that are geared to this particular group as well as other similar groups that might have similar situations.
Recommended Citation
Mwaura, Winny, "The Perinatal Experience of Kenyan Immigrant Women" (2018). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 4660.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4660
