Experiences of Asian mothers of children with disability who migrated to Western countries: a systematic review of qualitative studies

This systematic review sought to synthesize the qualitative literature exploring the lived experiences of Southeast and East Asian migrant mothers of children with disability in Western countries. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Six databases (Medline, Scopus, Cinahl, Embase, PsycINFO and ERIC) were searched and study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Extracted data from twenty-seven included studies were analyzed using thematic analysis. Using thematic analysis, three main themes were identified: (1) mothers’ efforts for their children to improve their children’s lives in the host countries; (2) life changes resulting from the responsibility of mothers; and (3) factors affecting mothers’ experience shaped by their immigrant status. These mothers’ own needs and experiences beyond their childcare roles are largely missing from the literature. The evidence suggests that it is critical to both recognize and respond to the unique position and distinct support needs of Southeast and East Asian migrant mothers of children with disability beyond their caring role. This is essential to optimize their health and well-being and thus strengthen their contribution to the whole family. More attention and development to facilitate culturally appropriate support for these mothers is required. Caring for children with disability and migration status can affect the physical and mental well-being of Southeast and East Asian migrant mothers in Western countries, shaping unique and complex experiences.Service providers in a variety of settings, buoyed by policies, should provide additional support for Southeast and East Asian mothers themselves, not just for their children with disability.More education and training around culturally appropriate care for service providers who work with these migrant mothers of children with disability is needed. Caring for children with disability and migration status can affect the physical and mental well-being of Southeast and East Asian migrant mothers in Western countries, shaping unique and complex experiences. Service providers in a variety of settings, buoyed by policies, should provide additional support for Southeast and East Asian mothers themselves, not just for their children with disability. More education and training around culturally appropriate care for service providers who work with these migrant mothers of children with disability is needed.