Illuminating Health Aspects for Immigrant Thai Women Living in Swedish Transnational Marriages

Background: Based on their migrant status, women experience discrimination, facing major risks including sexual exploitation, trafficking, and violence which all affect health.This study explores critical health incidents of marriage migration and their consequences experienced by immigrant Thai women in everyday life.Methods: A qualitative explorative approach with in-depth interviews. 40 immigrant Thai women having or having had a Swedish spouse. Critical incident technique was used to collect and analyse data in combination with content analysis.Results: The women reported 438 critical health incidents in five main areas: Psychological health dilemmas with consequences such as detrimental insecurity, loss of human value and devastating grief. Sociocultural health dilemmas leading to exploitation, insecurity, feelings of betrayal and rage. Physiological health dilemmas leading to economic strain, emotional strain, and physical pain. Developmental health dilemmas are affected by the process of ageing and facing threatening incidents related to deteriorating health. Spiritual health dilemmas including critical incidents in which the women intensified their dependence on faith and karma. Discussion: Women in marriage migration face major health dilemmas while adapting to their new country. Healthcare providers should be concerned about migrated women’s complex situations, as these affect both health and welfare.