Seeking pregnancy experiences of women living as internally displaced persons in northern myanmar: a qualitative study protocol

Background Myanmar has a high maternal mortality rate. Evidence about pregnancy and antenatal care experiences of women in more remote areas, where Covid and conflict have increased poverty and restricted travel, is limited. Understanding how women in a camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) navigate pregnancy and antenatal care may inform strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes in remote and fragile contexts.

Aim To explore how women living as IDPs experience pregnancy and antenatal care in a remote setting.

Methods A case study approach with an exploratory and descriptive design will be employed using qualitative data collection methods with women in one settled IDP camp. Thematic interviews will be undertaken with internally displaced women, members of a local women’s support network and local data collectors who have been working in women’s health and development. Due to travel restrictions, a pragmatic decision was taken to work online with local data collectors experienced in qualitative research. This arrangement should increase richness of data, strengthen research capacity and reduce the impact of cross-cultural communication in the interview setting. Transcripts will be translated to English and data will be analysed thematically.

Expected Results Pandemic restrictions and disruption to services have increased challenges for displaced women in relation to pregnancy and antenatal care. The study is likely to develop themes related to access difficulties, traditional beliefs and practices, the role of cultural factors in pregnancy and the value of social support networks in women’s experiences of pregnancy in displacement.

Current Stage of Work Ethical approval has been granted by Ulster University. A systematic review of qualitative evidence on pregnancy experiences of displaced women is underway. Interview guides have been translated, local language data collectors have been engaged, a site identified and local permissions secured.