MIGRATION-RELATED STRESS AMONG PREGNANT IMMIGRANT WOMEN AND IMMIGRANT WOMEN WHO GAVE BIRTH WITHIN THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS IN LITHUANIA

Abstract

Aim. To assess migration-related stress among immigrant women living in Lithuania who were pregnant or had given birth within the previous two years. Methods. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire. The study included 105 immigrant women from 22 countries: 24 (22.9%) were pregnant at the time of the survey, and 81 (77.1%) had given birth within the previous two years. Migration-related experiences were assessed using a 41-item questionnaire based on the Barcelona Immigration Stress Scale (BISS). Internal consistency of the questionnaire and the three analysed domains was assessed, and scores were compared between pregnant women and those who had already given birth. Results. Internal consistency of the overall questionnaire was very good (Cronbach’s α = 0.950). Cronbach’s α values for the discrimination, psychosocial experiences, and homesickness domains were 0.916, 0.897, and 0.822, respectively. Mean domain scores were 1.01, 1.09, and 1.31. The highest individual-item scores were observed for missing one’s family and hometown, feeling tense, feeling that one does not belong to society, and being reminded by society of one’s immigrant status. No statistically significant differences were found between pregnant women and those who had already given birth in any of the analysed domains (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The most prominent migration-related experiences were homesickness, missing family, feelings of tension, and lack of belonging. Scores in the analysed domains did not differ significantly according to pregnancy status at the time of the survey.