Home
Issues
Aim & Scope
Open Access
Editorial Board
Indexing
Supporting Midwifery Associations
Contact us
Manuscript Types
Manuscript Formatting
How to submit
Special publications and Reprints
Authorship & COI
Principles of Transparency Checklist
Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement
CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Amplifying the unheard: An exploration of the voices of socioeconomically disadvantaged women and their perceptions of maternity care in the Netherlands
1
University of Groningen- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Primary and Longterm Care, Groningen, Netherlands
2
Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Midwifery Science, Amsterdam, Netherlands
3
Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen- Inholland, Midwifery Science, Groningen, Netherlands
4
University of Groningen- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Primary and Long-term Care, Groningen, Netherlands
5
Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen- Inholland, Midwifery Science, Amsterdam, Netherlands
6
Hanzehogeschool Groningen- University of Applied Sciences, Department of Sports Studies, Groningen, Netherlands
7
Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Midwifery Science, Groningen, Netherlands
8
Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen- Inholland, Midwifery of Science, Groningen, Netherlands
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A489
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
In high-income countries, such as the Netherlands, women facing socio-economic challenges and their (unborn) children suffer disproportionate adverse outcomes, despite efforts to improve maternity care. Due to their socioeconomic position (SEP), almost 25000 children face increased risks of physical and mental conditions. Maternity care has the potential to achieve health benefits if deployed accurately from an early stage. However, achieving tailored care can be a struggle for both health professionals and for women. While the literature mainly focuses on health inequities of ethnic minority women, the needs of deprived majority population women are often left unnoticed. Although recruiting these women is challenging, it is essential to understand their perspectives to offer customized care.
OBJECTIVES:
In this study, we aimed to explore the perceptions of low SEP majority population women regarding the care they receive from health professionals in maternity care and the extent to which they experience this care as competent.
METHODS:
We conducted a cross-sectional observational survey study using a digital questionnaire that included text, emoticons, and audio. The research design was approved by the medical ethics committee of the University Medical Center Groningen. Data was collected from March 2024 until May 2025. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed.
RESULTS:
Analyses are ongoing. Preliminary results show that out of 316 women, 32,6% do not always feel worthy of themselves. Women of different educational levels have different perceptions regarding cultural competencies of maternity care professionals (F(8,286)=2.591, p=0.01).
CONCLUSIONS:
Barriers to the inclusion of low SEP women throughout all phases of the study are discussed. Findings reveal challenges and opportunities in voicing underserved groups, offering critical reflections and implications for improving cultural sensitive care and future research.
KEY MESSAGE:
Key message: This will be presented as analyses will be finalized at the time of presentation. Poster session 1 (Group A)
In high-income countries, such as the Netherlands, women facing socio-economic challenges and their (unborn) children suffer disproportionate adverse outcomes, despite efforts to improve maternity care. Due to their socioeconomic position (SEP), almost 25000 children face increased risks of physical and mental conditions. Maternity care has the potential to achieve health benefits if deployed accurately from an early stage. However, achieving tailored care can be a struggle for both health professionals and for women. While the literature mainly focuses on health inequities of ethnic minority women, the needs of deprived majority population women are often left unnoticed. Although recruiting these women is challenging, it is essential to understand their perspectives to offer customized care.
OBJECTIVES:
In this study, we aimed to explore the perceptions of low SEP majority population women regarding the care they receive from health professionals in maternity care and the extent to which they experience this care as competent.
METHODS:
We conducted a cross-sectional observational survey study using a digital questionnaire that included text, emoticons, and audio. The research design was approved by the medical ethics committee of the University Medical Center Groningen. Data was collected from March 2024 until May 2025. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed.
RESULTS:
Analyses are ongoing. Preliminary results show that out of 316 women, 32,6% do not always feel worthy of themselves. Women of different educational levels have different perceptions regarding cultural competencies of maternity care professionals (F(8,286)=2.591, p=0.01).
CONCLUSIONS:
Barriers to the inclusion of low SEP women throughout all phases of the study are discussed. Findings reveal challenges and opportunities in voicing underserved groups, offering critical reflections and implications for improving cultural sensitive care and future research.
KEY MESSAGE:
Key message: This will be presented as analyses will be finalized at the time of presentation. Poster session 1 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
