The culture of prenatal care in Regina Saskatchewan: An exploration of the experiences of Aboriginal women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Aboriginal women in Regina, Saskatchewan, related to prenatal care within a cultural context, with the intent of informing future programs of research and giving voice to a population not often heard. More specifically, the objectives of the study were to develop an understanding of the behaviours, values, and beliefs that urban Aboriginal women possess related to prenatal care, as well as to identify how prenatal care could be made more culturally appropriate for this population. The method that was utilized in this qualitative study was interpretive description. Interviews were used as the data collection method to collect information from Aboriginal women residing in an urban center who had given birth within the previous six months. A data analysis method congruent with interpretive description including using inductive reasoning to conceptualize the findings was employed to address the research purpose and questions. The significance of this research is that findings have provided the opportunity to recommend improvements to prenatal care for urban Aboriginal women, which may ultimately lead to better birth outcomes in this population.