Research and commentary. How cultural barriers provide a challenge to health visitors

Families with young children, including those from minority ethnic communities, receive support and advice from health visitors. While the need for cultural sensitivity is being increasingly recognised, the factors that contribute to this sensitivity are often poorly understood. This study took place in an urban area of Scotland and involved families from the two largest minority ethnic groups in the country: Pakistani and Chinese. The experiences that mothers had of the health visiting service and with health visitors were explored, as well as experiences that health visitors had with Pakistani and Chinese clients.