Challenges and Contributions of Cross-National Research in Maternal Health
Author Information
Author(s): Salway Sarah M, Higginbottom Gina, Reime Birgit, Bharj Kuldip K, Chowbey Punita, Foster Caroline, Friedrich Jule, Gerrish Kate, Mumtaz Zubia, O'Brien Beverley
Primary Institution: Centre for Health and Social Care Research, Sheffield Hallam University
Hypothesis
What are the opportunities and challenges of cross-national comparative research in migration, ethnicity, and health?
Conclusion
Cross-national comparative research can enhance the rigor and utility of studies on migration, ethnicity, and health, but it also presents significant challenges.
Supporting Evidence
- Cross-national research can force researchers to critically reflect on their methods and concepts.
- Such research can reveal the social and historical contexts that shape health outcomes.
- Comparative studies can help identify innovative solutions to common health issues.
- Challenges include balancing meaningful findings at the country level with holistic insights.
Takeaway
This study looks at how researchers from different countries can work together to understand maternal health for immigrant and minority women, but it also points out the difficulties they face in doing so.
Methodology
The study involved a narrative review, consultations with experts, and a symposium to share findings across three countries.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of reifying concepts and essentializing migrant/minority groups in comparative research.
Limitations
The study highlights the complexity of harmonizing concepts and methods across different national contexts.
Participant Demographics
The study focuses on maternal health experiences of immigrant and minority ethnic women in Germany, Canada, and the UK.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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