Life and health concerns of Indonesian women in transnational marriages in Taiwan

J Nurs Res. 2003 Sep;11(3):167-76. doi: 10.1097/01.jnr.0000347633.72476.4a.

Abstract

The number of transnational marriages between Taiwanese men and Southeast Asian women is increasing rapidly in Taiwan. Approximately one out of nine marriages in Taiwan is transnational. The rapid increase the number of foreign brides has greatly transformed Taiwan's social and demographic structures. This study focuses on Indonesian brides, the second largest immigrant group in Taiwan, to explore their life and health concerns. In-depth interview assisted by participant observation for a qualitative study was used in this study. Fifteen women participated in the study. Content analysis was used for data analysis. Findings revealed life and health concerns of immigrant Indonesian women in Taiwan could be categorized into four themes: immigrant adaptation, communication difficulty, family continuity, and barriers to healthcare system utilization. Based on the findings of this study, suggestions are made for healthcare and health policies. Moreover, healthcare professionals should understand that designing and providing culturally sensitive and appropriate healthcare to these women is very important for promoting their and their children's health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health / ethnology*
  • Communication Barriers
  • Emigration and Immigration
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Indonesia / ethnology
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Language
  • Male
  • Marriage / ethnology
  • Marriage / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Taiwan
  • Women / psychology*