What is the project?
This project is a qualitative study, supported by arts-based methods to explore the experiences and perceptions of pregnancy amongst Gypsy and Traveller women. Workshop discussions with Gypsy and Travellers (GTs) women and an artist were conducted, followed by a review session and individual interviews with healthcare professionals to understand the challenges GTs women face when accessing maternity care to improve their health outcomes. We were particularly interested in seeking feedback on the following themes:
- Understanding pregnancy experiences of Gypsy and Traveller women
- Experience in maternity, neonatal or postnatal care (the critical stages of pregnancy)
- Impact and influence of ethnicity and culture on these experiences
Suggestions for improving maternity experiences and recommendations for changes to current maternity and neonatal care provision. To support the discussions, participants were asked to share photographs and memorabilia that represent their maternity journey, and community customs in relation to maternity care.
A collection of visual artistic resources has been coproduced with participants which were showcased at community-based art exhibition in June 2023 to coincide with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month.
The created culturally relevant visual sketches, based on the stories from the qualitative discussions have provided a new understandings and engagement for future research activities. Furthermore, knowledge generated from this study is helping us to identify enablers for promoting health related promotion messages for Gypsy and Traveller women and suggestions for improvements in the current care provision for this ethnic group.
What is the aim?
In 2004, a health status study of the Gypsy Traveller (GT) community in the UK revealed striking healthcare inequalities, including higher rates of mortality and a low uptake of screening. Women in GT communities were shown as more likely to suffer more from issues related to pregnancy, birth and access to perinatal services compared to women from non-ethnic minority groups, with many saying they were ‘frightened’ to seek support due to negative attitudes from healthcare professionals. The aim of this project is to raise awareness of the experiences of GT women and to work towards improving access to health care and eradicating health care inequality for this group.
Who is involved?
The Centre for Ethnic Health Research
Community members
Healthcare professionals
Local artist
Useful links
Gypsy Traveller Community Maternity Experience & Perinatal Mortality Research
Contact
Barbara Czyznikowska – bmc15@leicester.ac.uk