[An assessment of the health of foreign brides in Hsin-Tien County].

The numbers of foreign brides are increasing and they have become a major source of caregivers to families in Taiwan. Because of cultural and linguistic barriers, however, they may not be able to handle either their own health needs or those of the families for which they work effectively. A comprehensive assessment of their own health needs is therefore the first step to solving these problems. The purpose of this paper was to understand the health care needs of foreign brides in Hsin-Tien County, using the model of the community as partner. Data were collected by means of literature review, windshield survey, interviews, and focus group discussion. The results showed that prenatal, postpartum and baby care, and infertility were their primary health care needs. In addition, mental disability in the family, congenital disease, and chronic disease were important issues. In conclusion, community health nurses need to be concerned not only with common needs, but also with the individual health needs of foreign brides in order to provide comprehensive family health care.