Migrants' Newborns Characteristics in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Greece

Background: In Greece live large numbers of migrant women at reproductive age, originate from 215different countries. They show higher fertility rates and may experience higher risk of preterm birth.Their needs for antenatal and postpartum services have not been very well studied.Objectives: To investigate epidemiological characteristics of immigrant newborns in comparison withthose of Greek origin, aiming at identifying key areas for future intervention strategies.Methodology: The reference population was 484 offsprings (Greeks 47.7%, migrants 52.3%) whowere born in a public maternity hospital in Athens, from 1/1-30/6/2008 and referred to its NICU,according to migrant status, gestation age, birth weight, mode of delivery, diagnosis and length of stay.We used SPSS 17.0, descriptive techniques and x2 independence test.Results: á x2 independence test indicated that the two variables, nationality and mode of delivery arenot independent (the test was found statistically significant x2=23.13, df=2, p=0.000). Women ofGreek origin experience an increased rate of caesarian deliveries(a) x2 independence test between nationality and birth weight (x2=0.92, df= 4, p=0.92), nationalityand gestation age (x2=3.06 df= 4 p=0.55), nationality and length of stay in NICU (x2=0.74 df=2p=0.70), wasn’t able to reject the independence of the variables above when tested in pairs(b) regression analysis did not reveal a statistical significant correlation between nationality, gender,gestation age and mode of delivery with congenital disorders and perinatal infections (p>0.05)Conclusions: Policies should target the reorganization of maternal care in the country, thedissemination of relevant information and the empowering of migrant women. Publication of leaflets inminority languages with health information patient rights and recruitment of mediators are needed.Attending Greek language courses would help their inclusion in the society. Furthermore, educationand training of health professionals on caring for users with cultural differences is an urgent matter.