Perceptions and behaviour of pregnant women in socioeconomic deprivation in rural areas. A qualitative study in France

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic deprivation (SED) is a risk factor for complications during pregnancy and childbirth, the impact of which has been studied poorly in rural areas. AIMS: To explore the perceptions and behaviour of women living in SED in a rural area with regard to their pregnancy follow‐up. METHODS: A qualitative study using semi‐structured individual interviews was carried out in a rural area in central France. To participate, the women had to have an Evaluation of Deprivation and Inequalities in Health Examination Centres deprivation score ≥ 30.17, be living in a rural area and have given birth during the month before the interview. The interviews were analysed using a thematic approach inspired by grounded theory. RESULTS: Seventeen women were interviewed. The difficulties of life in a rural area were linked to geographical remoteness, travel costs, lack of public services, inadequacy of nearby healthcare and social isolation. In all cases, pregnancy was an additional difficulty. The adaptive capability was related to the presence of an efficient family and social network. Most of the time, any increase in the limitations exceeded the ability to adapt and affected the medical follow‐up of the pregnancy, although follow‐up appointments were rarely abandoned altogether. Perceptions of birth preparation and parenting sessions were often limited to advice on pain management. Due to their affiliation with their rural area or their choice of lifestyle, the women complained only minimally. CONCLUSION: Women often minimize any limitations and implement adaptive techniques that make identification by social and medical services more difficult. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Eighteen women in SED were contacted by Childhood Medical Protection, midwives and general practitioners practising in rural areas. One woman declined participation and seventeen were interviewed.