Psychosocial Adaptation and Uptake of Maternal Health Services among Migrant Women: A Scoping Review

Background Migrant women of reproductive age frequently have lower uptake of maternal healthcare compared to non-migrants, contributing to preventable health disparities. Successful psychosocial adaptation can facilitate access to information, social networks, and culturally sensitive care. While barriers such as language, legal status, finances, and discrimination are well-documented, the role of psychosocial adaptation - how migrant women adjust to new cultural and social environments remains poorly understood. Aim We aimed to systematically examine the existing literature on psychosocial adaptation and its influence on the uptake of maternal health services among migrant populations. Methods We conducted a scoping review, including 42 eligible publications of 2,307 identified in five databases, and synthesized findings thematically. Findings We generated seven themes and 19 sub-themes, highlighting that psychosocial adaptation is a multidimensional process, operating at individual, family, and community levels. Although different forms of psychosocial adaptation are associated with improved access to and uptake of maternal healthcare services among migrant women, significant challenges persisted due to financial barriers, insurance limitations, and legal status restrictions. Discussion Maternal health experiences are shaped by the multidimensional nature of psychosocial adaptation and reflect broader global economic and geopolitical migration patterns. Considering migrant women’s unique experiences and needs, participatory approaches that center their voices are critical for designing responsive interventions. Conclusion By mapping conceptual frameworks, our review shows the importance of integrating psychosocial perspectives into maternal health services to promote culturally sensitive, accessible, and equitable care for migrant women.