Barriers to Pregnancy Health Care Perceived by the Hispanic Community in the Northern Midwest

BACKGROUND: This study explored the barriers to pregnancy health care experienced by Hispanic women. Research has shown that Hispanic patients are less likely to have adequate health insurance coverage compared to the white population in the United States and frequently face communication barriers in health care, as interpretive services are underutilized. These barriers may cause the Hispanic population to delay seeking health care and can lead to poor health outcomes. This is especially a problem in pregnancy health care, where prompt prenatal care is essential in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and positive health outcomes in both mother and baby. METHODS: This was a qualitative study consisting of 12 Hispanic mothers from Illinois and Iowa with children ages eight months to 37 years old. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted using questions based off the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). Data was transcribed and coded manually using Microsoft Word and a descriptive coding process. RESULTS: Communication barriers emerged as the most significant among participants during pregnancy health care, as the majority utilized family or friend translators or their own understanding of English. Participants referenced not being provided sufficient patient education during health care, leading to inaccurate or inadequate information. Half of the participants mentioned that insurance impacted where they sought pregnancy health care, which occasionally delayed care. CONCLUSION: Only one woman utilized interpretive services, and the others reported that they would have felt more comfortable if they were provided professional translation. The misinformation found in the data could be the result of miscommunication or lack of patient education during health care. Regardless of barriers reported, participants expressed satisfaction with health care