A Comparative Study on Birth Outcomes between Korean Women and Immigrant Women

Kim, Moon Jeong

doi:2011.17.4.407

Korean J Women Health Nurs > Volume 17(4); 2011 > Article

Comparative Study

Korean Journal of Women Health Nursing 2011;17(4):407-414.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4069/kjwhn.2011.17.4.407

A Comparative Study on Birth Outcomes between Korean Women and Immigrant Women

Moon Jeong Kim

College of Nursing, Jeju National University, Korea. mjy7955@jejunu.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to compare birth outcomes between Korean women and immigrant women.
METHODS
Medical records were reviewed retrospectively from 201 immigrant women and 201 Korean women who delivered babies at K women's hospital in U city from January 2006 to December 2009. Maternal outcomes related factors included nationality, age, obstetric history, delivery type, indications of cesarean section, and complications of pregnancy and delivery. Principal neonatal outcomes were birth weight, Apgar scores, and complications of newborns.
RESULTS
Immigrant women were younger and had fewer pregnancies, abortions, and surviving children than Korean women. The rate of primary cesarean section and its indication in immigrant women were not significantly different from Korean women. However, immigrant women's newborn were more likely to have low birth weight and meconium staining.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate less equity of immigrant women in women's health care, although immigrant women's babies had lower Apgar score and more meconium staining. Nurses should help immigrant women cope with labor process effectively to prevent adverse health outcomes for their newborns.

Key Words: Cultural diversity; Obstetric delivery; Pregnancy; Newborn