UNDERSTANDING ACCESS TO POSTNATAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR RESETTLED SYRIAN REFUGEE WOMEN IN NOVA SCOTIA: BARRIERS, FACILITATORS, AND NEED FOR SERVICES

Abstract

This manuscript-based thesis explores access to healthcare and the availability and use of informal supports for resettled Syrian refugee women during the postnatal period. This thesis took a qualitative approach, using elements of constructivist grounded theory. Eleven women completed individual interviews during the months of August and September 2020 in an urban area in Nova Scotia. Pre-pandemic experiences are reported in Manuscript 1; COVID-19 experiences are reported in Manuscript 2. All participants had been separated from their extended family and felt their absence of support during the postpartum period. Some women had developed a new social network, while others had only their partner to offer support in Canada. Similar systemic barriers existed for participants before and during COVID-19, including irregular access to interpretation services and limited childcare. Policy change, program development, and/or interventions are needed to improve access to postnatal services and supports for resettled Syrian women.