Open AccessA survey of health agencies' responses to non‐English‐speaking women's health needs in South Australia
Author(s) -
Dolman Jan,
Shackleton Gillian,
Ziaian Tahereh,
Gay Janette,
Yeboah David Achanfuo
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-6405.1996.tb01810.x
Subject(s) - reproductive health , health services , medicine , service provider , metropolitan area , english language , point (geometry) , language barrier , service (business) , nursing , environmental health , psychology , business , population , political science , marketing , mathematics education , geometry , mathematics , pathology , law
Evidence from the literature points to the disadvantages encountered by migrant women from non‐English‐speaking backgrounds in obtaining access to health services. In May 1994, a survey of 31 health units in the metropolitan area and two country areas was conducted in South Australia. The study investigated the services available to women of non‐English‐speaking background, their level of usage, the factors that affected the use of health services by the women, and the strategies developed by the service providers to overcome the barriers. The study found sexual and reproductive health to be the most important, and occupational health and safety the least important issue for women of non‐English‐speaking background attending the state's health units. The main problems were English language deficiencies, lack of culturally appropriate services and inadequate knowledge and awareness of the existing services. From the service providers' point of view, language (79 per cent), culture (87 per cent), and information or awareness about health units (78 per cent) were the most important factors affecting title use of health services by women of non‐English‐speaking background. Women of non‐English‐speaking background have different linguistic and cultural needs from English‐speaking women, and as a result, require specifically designed services.