Unmet reproductive and child health needs and health system navigation experiences of recently arrived women seeking asylum in the US: qualitative findings from a community-based study

Background Navigating the US healthcare system is complex, especially for recently arrived migrants whose health needs are shaped by their experiences before, during, and after migration. We investigated unmet reproductive and child health needs and experiences with health system navigation in the US among recently arrived women from the Latin America and Caribbean region. Methods We analyzed 21 qualitative, semi-structured interviews conducted between July 2022 and December 2024 with asylum-seeking women who had recently entered the US via the Mexico-US border. Guided by a framework on the stages of the migration process, we conducted a thematic analysis of participants’ health needs and situated their experiences accessing health services upon resettlement within the socio-ecological model. Results Participants identified unmet needs related to maternal and infant health, pediatric care, and reproductive health. These needs were shaped by cumulative experiences at their point of origin, while in transit, and upon arrival to their destination. Migrant women’s ability to navigate the healthcare system and utilization of health services were shaped by policy, institutional, community, and individual-level factors. Access was facilitated by their ability to obtain health insurance, guidance from community and family members, and their perceived need for care. Conclusion Our findings suggest that reducing barriers to health services for recently arrived asylum-seeking women and their children may be addressed through changes at multiple levels, such as expanding access to public health insurance and providing them with assistance navigating the US health system.