Barriers to the uptake of healthy eating messages by Black African immigrant pregnant women living in the UK: midwives’ perspectives.

Abstract

Abstract Objectives This article is part of a study that explored the barriers and facilitators to the uptake of healthy eating messages by Black African immigrant pregnant (BAIP) women living in the UK, from the perspective of the midwives that care for them. Methods Using the methodological principles of constructivist grounded theory (CGT), 26 semi-structured interviews were conducted, with 19 of the interviews with midwives. Data were analysed using constant comparative analysis towards the development of a substantive theory. Results Barriers to offering healthy eating advice related to midwives’ understanding of the cultural needs of BAIP women, including the different cultural dynamic. Other barriers related to engagement, communication barriers, knowledge, a lack of resources in the NHS and social determinants of health. Conclusion The findings highlight culture as a significant aspect of the identity of BAIP women, and reveal a lack of culturally adapted and sensitive healthy eating resources and discussions in the NHS. Although BAIP women are often considered ‘hard to engage’, this study suggests that engagement and communication can be enhanced if health care professionals understand the cultural nuances and identities of the Black community. Practice implications Without culturally appropriate healthy eating information, the impact of unhealthy food choices may be more pronounced among BAIP women compared to natural-born or second-generation Black immigrant women and their White counterparts.