Somaliperheiden perhevalmennuksen kehittäminen toimintatutkimuksen keinoin Suomessa

Koski, Pirjo Developing Birthand Parenthood education for Somali families in Finland. Jyvaskyla: University of Jyvaskyla, 315 p. 2014. (Studies in Sport, Physical Education and Health, ISSN 0356-1070; 202) ISBN 978-951-39-5607-3 (nid.) ISBN 978-951-39-5608-0 (PDF) English summary Diss. The purpose of this study was to obtain experience of the applicability of Participatory Action Research (PAR) to the development of Birth and Parenthood Education Program (BPEP) for Somali families residing in Finland. The first (1) research aim was to map the views of public health nurses, midwives and Somali women regarding Somali families’ BPE needs. The second research aim (2) was to try out and evaluate PAR in developing BPEP for Somali women. The third (3) research aim was to evaluate the new program. Data was collected from Somali women (N=8) by thematic interviews; from public health nurses and midwives (N=70) by questionnaires and from Development Group (DG) members (N=6) by focus group interviews (aim one). Data was collected during the development process by meetings memoranda; peer and self-evaluation and piloting reports (aim two). Outcome was assessed using a questionnaire (aim three). The quantitative data was analyzed statistically and qualitative data using content analysis. The Somali women believed that the PBE prepares for childbirth or childbirth and parenthood. The public health nurses and midwives also emphasized the inclusion circumcision, the father’s role in childcare and birth control in the program. The Developing Group believed that BPE should also take into account migration-related problems such as thinning of national identity, language problems, lack of social support and fear of racism. The DG finally included following topics in the BPE: pregnancy, birth, postpartum, parenthood and child-family life. Dialogue and participatory teaching methods were selected as counseling methods. Despite of encouraging piloting results, the new program as evaluated by external experts still relies too much on Finnish perceptions of following concepts: family, relationship between the spouses and BPE. The results also indicate that the PAR is applicable to developing the BPEP for Somali women although a laborious process. Recommendations include the need for additional research and development for culturally sensitive BPEP for Somali families residing in Finland.