Migration and perinatal health surveillance: An international delphi survey

Background: Among migrant health, the perinatal health of migrant women is often prioritised, but no consensus exists on indicators for monitoring migration and perinatal health. The international research collaboration of Reproductive Outcomes And Migration, with an European study on perinatal health monitoring EURO-PERISTAT, sought a consensus on migration indicators to use for perinatal indicator sets and routine perinatal surveys as well as for specific research studies.
Methods: A DELPHI consensus process involved 38 perinatal clinicians, epidemiologists, and experts in health information systems from 22 countries who completed one or more questionnaires. Panel members ranked migration indicators from a list inventoried from the published literature on migration and perinatal health.
Results: Country of birth was considered ‘essential’ or ‘recommended’ for routine collection by 100% of respondents, followed by recent immigration - 88%, language fluency - 70%, immigration status - 67%, and ethnic origin - 55%. Feasibility with ‘minor’ or ‘no modifications’ to current data collection systems was highest for country of birth - 69% followed by recent immigration - 61%. Other indicators were judged to be less feasible. Definitions and reporting categories were developed for these five indicators.
Conclusions: A strong consensus was achieved for including migrant country of birth in core perinatal health indicator sets, for example in birth and civil registrations. Time since arrival in receiving country was recommended for addition to such routine data collections. Specific studies should be undertaken to complement routine data collection on immigration status, language fluency, and ethnic origin as defined by maternal parents’ place of birth. These recommended variables can easily be applied for monitoring other health issues among migrant populations.