Symptoms described by African American women evaluated for preterm labor.
OBJECTIVE
To describe symptoms, self-care for symptoms, and lay consultations of African American women later diagnosed with a likelihood of preterm labor (PTL).


METHODS
Qualitative descriptive study.


METHODS
Two sites within the United States, one urban and one suburban high-risk maternity referral center.


METHODS
Twenty-five African American women presenting for emergent care and subsequently diagnosed as "rule out PTL." Five of the women later delivered before 37 weeks gestation, of whom 4 had a preterm low-birthweight infant (<or=2,500 g).


METHODS
Women's symptoms, self-care for symptoms, and lay consultations prior to seeking care for PTL.


RESULTS
The most common reason for seeking care was due to "pains," and the second most common was "cramping," with most women (n = 17) seeking care within 4 to 24 hours of first experiencing symptoms. Importantly, 15 of the women first contacted friends/family members before seeking care.


CONCLUSIONS
In African American women, implications about PTL teaching include adding the word "pain" as another teaching descriptor and targeting education to individuals whom the patient considers to be significant such as a close friend or family member.
Stringer
Marilyn
M
School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19124-6096, USA. stringer@nursing.upenn.edu
Gennaro
Susan
S
Deatrick
Janet A
JA
Founds
Sandra
S
D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology