Maternal and child health profile of the Caribbean population in New York City

ABSTRACT

Study aims to fill the data gap on maternal and child health care in black amd minority communities in New York City to provide a basis for further research purposes and health programme planning. Lists cultural norms, migration pattern and geographic distribution as factors affecting health care and delivery in the Caribbean community. Discusses the conceptual framework of the study and presents an analysis of the review of the literature of Caribbean women, community experience survey, service area assessment, health service delivery factors and barriers to health service utilization. States that the methodology adopted employed an exploratory design which allowed for flexibility in considering the variables and in identifying the areas needing more precise investigation. It also employed a descriptive design which allowed for quantification and description of the contextual factors and reproductive experience. Presents the main findings which show that statistical presentations on the maternal child health status of the Caribbean population are limited and that data on health systems utilization and delivery of health care services to the Caribbean population are not readily available. Comments on the findings in relation to socio-demographic and economic factors as citizenship, education, number of children, language, marital status, poverty, geographic distribution, cultural norms and occupation. Presents conclusions and recommendations. (AU)