South Asian women’s lived experiences of health care after disclosure of family violence: A qualitative meta-synthesis review

Abstract

Introduction: Given the high prevalence of family violence (FV) amongst South Asian women, the experiences and expectations of addressing FV in health care settings is of policy, practice and research interest. Whilst FV is shaped and influenced by various interconnected sociodemographic and cultural factors, it can be addressed in health care settings through identification and response. Methods: This review utilized a systematic methodology to search nine databases up to July 2022. A total of 6,685 records were screened by two reviewers independently based on a priori inclusion and exclusion criteria. A thematic analytical approach guided integration of findings from thirteen qualitative studies. Results: Thematic synthesis of the articles generated three themes (1) I was afraid to share, (2) They just walk away, (3) Understand and listen to my pain. These themes represented the perspectives, feelings, and expectations of South Asian women survivor participants living in South Asia as well as migrant South Asian women. Cultural factors and social obstacles may prevent South Asian women from seeking and using appropriate support services. Additional barriers may include health care providers’ reluctance to address FV with South Asian women because of a lack of cultural knowledge and/or appropriate methods to address FV. South Asian women participants reflected they want health care providers to understand them, acknowledge their discomfort, and provide culturally appropriate strategies and solutions. Conclusion: It is highly recommended that policymakers and health-care providers continue to be mindful of the social and cultural challenges which face South Asian women who experience family violence.