Experiences of Turkish Pregnant Immigrant Mothers and Fathers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Canan Tugberk, MA.; Hazal Celik, MA.
New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems and societal norms worldwide, especially affecting vulnerable populations, including immigrants in the prenatal period (Jevitt, 2020). Prior research indicates that pregnant individuals face increased risks and anxieties, which are compounded for immigrants by factors such as language barriers, limited access to healthcare, and social support networks (Pimentel & Eckardt, 2014). However, less is known about how these challenges intersect with the pandemic to affect pregnant immigrant populations, particularly those from Turkish backgrounds living abroad.
Methods
Participants: 18 Turkish pregnant immigrant parents (10 mothers, 8 fathers), recruited through community networks and social media platforms. After the initial reach out, participants were emailed to get consent for participation and demographic information after the consent forms. In total 10 mothers and 8 fathers whose ages are between 25-40 (M= 32.5) were contacted.
Data Collection: Semi-structured interviews conducted remotely, focusing on experiences related to pregnancy, immigration, and living through the pandemic.
Analysis: Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using MAXQDA software and thematic analysis method to identify recurring themes and patterns. A frequency analysis of codes were also performed to see the dominant codes emerged during the analysis process
Results
Participants: 18 Turkish pregnant immigrant parents (10 mothers, 8 fathers), recruited through community networks and social media platforms. After the initial reach out, participants were emailed to get consent for participation and demographic information after the consent forms. In total 10 mothers and 8 fathers whose ages are between 25-40 (M= 32.5) were contacted.
Data Collection: Semi-structured interviews conducted remotely, focusing on experiences related to pregnancy, immigration, and living through the pandemic.
Analysis: Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using MAXQDA software and thematic analysis method to identify recurring themes and patterns. A frequency analysis of codes were also performed to see the dominant codes emerged during the analysis process.
Emerging Themes
Emerging Themes
1.Healthcare Access and Concerns: Participants reported anxieties about exposure to COVID-19 in healthcare settings and the impact on pregnancy care.
‘’Well, I had taken a PCR test …to be able to enter the birth. Uh-huh. I also entered the birth...under normal circumstances, only during visiting hours can you enter. They don't even allow that during Covid times. Anyway, the bad thing is, in that family room, you can't reserve it in advance like you can in Turkey or somewhere’’ (Father 7, age 34)
2.Social Isolation: The compounded effect of immigration and pandemic restrictions led to significant isolation, and loneliness highlighting the need for a stronger support network.
"You know, during the pandemic, not meeting with people much, you know, to reduce the risk of illness, was not very good for my work or socially." (Mother 7, age 30)
3.Emotional Instability: Concerns over ambiguity of future due to Covid, anxieties of parenthood, with the pandemic exacerbating existing vulnerabilities about emotional stability were prevalent.
"I mean, I'm still trying to stay balanced, but it was a very difficult period to stay balanced. There are still problems. I haven't seen the end of it yet. I still feel like I'm walking on a tightrope, but I'm better, holding on a bit more. It was really a tough process." (Mother 4, age 27)
4.Resilience and Adaptation: Despite challenges, participants demonstrated resilience, finding new ways to connect online with their culture and community, and adapt to remote healthcare options and maintained hope for the future.
"I mean, I've learned to be enough by myself during this process." (mother 7, age 30)
"Looking back now, I am surprised at how I coped. How did I manage? I mean, I coped by resisting a bit. Stay strong. I constantly reassured myself in vain. After a certain point, I made a promise to myself not to pity myself. Uh-huh. Because, you know, after you start feeling sorry for yourself, that process of self-pity, those inner dialogues and all, it’s not pleasant. After making that promise, as I said, I coped by resisting. I will stay strong, this year will solve it. My baby and I can do it, you know." (Mother 4, age 27)
Discussion
This study shows the resilience of Turkish immigrant parents struggling with the multiple challenges of navigating parenthood and immigrant life amidst a pandemic. The dominant codes emphasize a narrative of transformation, where personal growth, adaptation to new parenting norms, and an ever-present hope are central. Participants leaned heavily on online support to combat isolation, while also contending with anxieties over their baby’s health and the uncertainties of their economic stability. The intersection of these personal experiences with the broader systemic issues of healthcare access highlights the need for culturally sensitive and accessible support systems. These findings call for targeted online interventions that acknowledge the compounded vulnerabilities faced by immigrant parents and bolster their journey through informed, empathetic, and community-centric approaches.
