Peer-reviewed article
Understanding the needs and key determinants of maternal, newborn, and child health among migrants in transit: a scoping review.
Esther Azasi, Perfect E Asamoah, Karin Diaconu ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This scoping review examined the health needs and barriers affecting pregnant women and children traveling during migration. The review found that migrant families in transit face major obstacles including financial constraints, language barriers, and limited access to healthcare services. Additional challenges include exposure to transactional sex, lack of respectful maternity care, and restricted access to essential health services, particularly in conflict settings. The authors recommend strengthening community support, using technology, and ensuring equitable healthcare access regardless of cultural or financial background.
Key points
- Seven studies met inclusion criteria from screening 1202 sources across five databases and grey literature
- Key barriers to maternal and child health include financial constraints, language obstacles, and limited healthcare access
- Pregnant women and children in transit experience exposure to transactional sex and absence of respectful maternity care
- Challenges are exacerbated in conflict and crisis settings
- Recommendations include community mobilization, technology leverage, and equitable access to services
Limitations
This is a scoping review of only seven included studies, so the evidence base is limited. The review does not identify specific countries or regions most affected, limiting applicability to particular policy contexts.
Abstract
The global surge in migration has exposed pregnant women and children in transit to heightened risk of maternal and child health (MCH) challenges, driven by systemic barriers and unstable conditions. Evidence on how these transitory factors influence MCH remains limited. This scoping review examined the health needs and key determinants affecting migrant populations in transit, specifically pregnant women and children travelling from their countries of origin to their intended destination countries, with the aim of identifying major barriers and proposing strategies for improved health outcomes. We screened 1202 sources of evidence using five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Europe PMC, CINAHL, and Medline) as well as grey literature. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were drawn from peer-reviewed literature, charted using a standardized framework, and analysed thematically. Key barriers included financial constraints, language obstacles, and limited access to healthcare services. Although humanitarian organizations offered some support, significant unmet needs remain, including exposure to transactional sex, absence of respectful maternity care, and restricted access to essential health services. These challenges are exacerbated in conflict and crisis settings. The review underscores the importance of addressing key determinants, including location, language, financial capacity, and community support, to improve health outcomes for pregnant women and children under five on the move. This review recommends strengthening community mobilization, leveraging technology, and ensuring equitable access irrespective of users' cultural or financial constraints.