Embedding consumer and community involvement in antenatal healthcare research: A methodological approach and perspectives of culturally and linguistically diverse women in Australia

Background: Consumer and Community Involvement (CCI) in healthcare research ensures that the needs of target populations are met through active collaboration between consumers, communities, and researchers. For culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women in Australia, disparities in antenatal healthcare are pronounced due to barriers such as language, cultural differences, and systemic inequities. Inclusive CCI can help identify healthcare gaps and improve care. This study aimed to describe the formation of a CCI reference group using the Health in Preconception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Alliance CCI Co-Development Framework to explore antenatal healthcare experiences and identify opportunities for improvement. Methods: A CCI reference group of 18 CALD women was formed through purposive recruitment. Focus groups were conducted to capture their experiences with antenatal care, focusing on healthcare accessibility, cultural competency, and barriers encountered. Thematic analysis was performed using NVivo software to identify key themes related to antenatal care experiences. Results: Three key themes were identified from the analysis: (1) Navigating cultural beliefs and antenatal care: Women expressed challenges in reconciling traditional cultural practices with information received during antenatal care, particularly in relation to dietary modifications required for gestational diabetes management, which often conflicted with their cultural norms. (2) Social support: Many women highlighted the importance of familial and peer support during pregnancy, but some experienced isolation due to geographic separation from family. Peer networks and cultural community groups were noted as important alternative support systems. (3) Cultural competency of healthcare providers: Participants consistently reported that healthcare providers with cultural awareness and sensitivity improved their care experiences, increasing trust and satisfaction. The absence of such competency led to confusion and dissatisfaction, particularly when managing pregnancy complications. Conclusions: Embedding CCI in antenatal healthcare research is essential for creating culturally competent care for CALD women. Addressing healthcare provider cultural competency, adapting health information to reflect cultural nuances, and enhancing mental health support were identified as priority areas. The findings highlight the importance of ongoing consumer engagement to achieve equitable and responsive antenatal care for CALD women in Australia. Trial registration: Not applicable.