South and Southeast Asian Migrant Caregivers’ Help-Seeking and Support Experiences Across the First 2,000 Days: A Qualitative Study and Emerging Model of Health Care

Migrants whose culture and language(s) differ from those of their resettlement country often experience various inequities impacting wellbeing. While this has been explored for some aspects of migrant health, less research has focused on families who have children in resettlement. This reflects a gap in knowledge considering stressors caregivers face across the “First 2,000 Days” (conception to age 5). This study explores how one group of migrant caregivers—from South and Southeast (S/SE) Asia—experience help-seeking and support across the First 2,000 Days in Australia, with a focus on facilitators to culturally responsive care that promotes health equity. Thematic analysis was used to analyze semi-structured interviews with 11 S/SE Asian migrant caregivers and 22 service providers. Findings were explored through Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Service Use and the Health Equity Framework. Participants described formal supports for wellbeing as inaccessible and/or not culturally responsive, and caregivers often sought help for wellbeing only when need was severe. Participants noted organizational and community recommendations to address barriers including staff education, culturally responsive communication, and continuity of care (organizational), and collaboration with existing informal networks (community). A model for help-seeking and health equity is proposed for further understanding these experiences for marginalized groups.