Psychosocial problems of healthcare for pregnant refugees – a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: As a result of increased refugee movements over the past few years, it is important to seek systemic solutions to provide medical care to those fleeing to safe countries as soon as possible, especially to pregnant women. To this end, it is necessary to know the existing problems and challenges associated with the care of pregnant refugees, and to find solutions to address them. Methods: A systematic review of the literature from 2016–2023 was conducted according to the PRISMA criteria. Results: Refugee women face a range of problems that need attention, ranging from changes in family dynamics, getting used to a new environment, fear for safety, lack of necessary support, isolation from family members, to overcoming the traumatic experiences left behind in the country of origin. Despite the adoption of assistance strategies in countries hosting refugee women, their implementation has often been far from ideal, even in highly developed countries, which has further negatively affected the mental state of pregnant refugee women in highly stressful situations. Conclusions: Caring for pregnant refugee women goes far beyond maternity care. It is an active process in which the main goals include giving birth to healthy offspring, achieving mental health, stress relief, and social integration of the refugee women themselves, including family relationships. We hope that the lessons learned from the mistakes of previous experiences will help the refugee host countries prepare for situations in which they need to assist pregnant women in crisis, including the provision of psychological support.