Research - Women Equality and Inclusion
Infant Mortality and Community Research
Premature death caused by infant mortality is a grave concern, particularly in Birmingham, which has the third-highest number of child deaths in England. These deaths are disproportionately high across the country and are highly correlated with poverty. In Birmingham, over 28% of children come from low-income families, compared to the national average of 17%. As a result, infant mortality rates are largely determined by the child’s geographical location due to socio-economic and systemic inequalities. This highlights the need for greater support and intervention for low-income families to address this issue and ensure that every child has an equal chance at a healthy life.
A recent NHS review between March 2019 and October 2020 has highlighted the continued impact of ethnic origin on mortality rates. The review found that Pakistani communities are disproportionately affected by child deaths, particularly in cases of congenital and perinatal deaths, with a high incidence of premature births. This underscores the need for further research and targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve health outcomes for all communities.
There is currently limited research available to fully comprehend the experiences of women who have been affected by child bereavement, particularly within Pakistani communities. However, we are taking steps to address this. In collaboration with the University of Birmingham and ACP Group, we are launching a community research project with the aim of training local women to conduct grassroots research. Through this project, we hope to gain a better understanding of the causes and gaps in maternity care that may have contributed to these tragic events, and identify potential interventions and support systems that could help prevent them in the future. The trained researchers will sensitively speak to bereaved mothers and collect data to ensure that their voices are heard and their experiences are taken into account.
- Mothers facing language barriers, low levels of education, and literacy often encounter challenges when trying to access the support they need to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
- Women from minority ethnic groups often face challenges when accessing healthcare, such as feeling stereotyped and less informed. They may also be less likely to receive kind treatment and support in decision making, and may struggle to have confidence and trust in the staff providing their care. Addressing these disparities and ensuring equal access to healthcare for all women is crucial for promoting health equity and improving health outcomes
- Bereaved mothers did not feel supported after the death of the child and unlikely to seek bereavement support
- Due to a lack of culturally appropriate services and systematic inequalities in healthcare, many bereaved parents have had poor experiences in maternity care, leading to a lack of trust in the system. This highlights the need for more equitable and culturally sensitive approaches to maternity care.
- Women are more likely to experience domestic, physical and sexual violence, which can lead to financial instability and adverse mental and physical