[Health networks for new immigrants in taiwan]

Healthcare and studies related to new immigrants in Taiwan have been influenced by immigrant reproductive health management policy. Some nursing scholars have criticized the top-down approach as potentially not addressing the actual healthcare needs of these immigrants. Medical institutions are being called upon to provide culturally appropriate care.

Using health networks as its conceptual framework, this paper explores the definition of health as perceived by recent immigrants to Taiwan and their perspectives on seeking and maintaining health.

This paper uses participant observation and depth-interviews to assess how recent immigrants from Mainland China, Vietnam, and Indonesia seek health in their new homeland, evaluate the differences between the healthcare systems in their former and current countries, and recommend actions necessary to ensure the health and wellbeing of this population.

The findings are grouped into three themes: "the differences between immigrants and Taiwanese in health care," "local health networks", and "transnational health networks." These themes reflect the views on health and health care of recent female immigrants to Taiwan.

Through the actions and narratives of these immigrants, this paper suggests the priority concerns that immigrant agencies should address in order to maintain the health of this group. Additionally, findings give some insight into the gender and ethnic characteristics of immigrant health networks. Immigrants construct and rely upon social relations, cultural identity, and resources to maintain their wellbeing. This study contributes to transcultural nursing theory and to in-service training and helps medical practitioners and nurses provide culturally appropriate care.