Improving health literacy in the perinatal period
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving English language and Health Literacy in pregnant women from East London: A co-production project (Health Literacy Project)
IRAS ID
337153
Contact name
Mandeep Kaler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bart Health NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research summary
This is a women's health project co-developed to improve pregnant women's understanding of women's health, pregnancy and childbirth. This project targets women who are unable to speak English and where English is not their first language.What is Health Literacy?
‘Health literacy’ is an individual’s ability to absorb, process and understand information about their health, identify health services available to them and make informed decisions. This is particularly important during pregnancy allowing women to manage their pregnancy journey. Low health literacy may put patients at risk as they are unable to make the best health choices.Local Population (Non-English speakers living in Tower Hamlets)
In the UK, there are several health resources available to patients, but some vulnerable groups face barriers in accessing these resources. More than two thirds (69%) of this population belongs to a minority ethnic group. 4 in 10 residents were born outside the UK and almost half (46%) of the population are of childbearing age. Non-English speaking women who become pregnant will have several appointments with healthcare providers. Communication problems associated with not speaking English can often have a negative impact on the management of pregnancy.Objectives: 1) To develop a teaching and training programme for women to improve their English AND increase their health literacy. 2) To assess feasibility of this education tool to develop a future health literacy research project.
We will fulfil these objectives by developing and delivering a 2-hour education session, once a week for 6 weeks to the same group of women. To evaluate this work we will collect immediate feedback at the end of each session and 6 weeks after the education programme is complete. Improving health literacy for these women will allow them to manage and make health decisions as well as improve experience in a health care setting.
Summary of results
This study looked at the experiences of pregnant women who took part in a 6-week health literacy programme designed for those whose first language is not English. Overall, women described the programme as very helpful and said it made a positive difference to their pregnancy experience. Improved understanding of pregnancy and health: Women said they learned a lot about their bodies, pregnancy, and how the healthcare system works. Many had little or no prior knowledge, especially if they were new to the UK or experiencing their first pregnancy. The course helped them understand medical terms, recognise symptoms, and know what to expect during pregnancy and childbirth. Increased confidence and independence: A key outcome was improved confidence. Women reported feeling more able to, speak to doctors and midwives, ask questions and explain symptoms and make informed decisions about their care. This reduced fear and anxiety about pregnancy and hospital visits, and helped women feel more in control. Better communication skills: Participants said their English improved, especially around health-related words. The combination of English and their first language (Bengali/Sylheti) helped them understand information while also building confidence to communicate in English. Supportive and welcoming environment: Women valued the safe, friendly, and culturally familiar setting. Being with other pregnant women who shared similar experiences helped them feel comfortable and more willing to participate. The interactive teaching style, including visuals and role play, made learning easier and more engaging. Social connections and reduced isolation: Many women formed friendships during the course. These relationships continued outside the sessions, providing emotional support and reducing loneliness—especially important for women with limited family nearby. Benefits beyond the individual: Women often shared what they learned with their husbands and families. This helped improve understanding of pregnancy within the household and reduced stress for both women and their partners. Opening up difficult conversations: The programme created a space to talk about topics that are often considered sensitive or taboo, such as mental health, sexual relationships, and pregnancy complications. Women felt more confident discussing these issues with both healthcare professionals and family members. Suggestions for improvement: While overall feedback was very positive, some women suggested, more information on baby care and the postnatal period, more focus on mental health and more opportunities to practice speaking English. Conclusion The programme helped women gain knowledge, build confidence, and feel more connected and supported. It also showed that culturally tailored, community-based education can play an important role in improving maternity experiences for women who do not speak English as their first language.REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0458
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion