Perspectives of African-American women on infant mortality.
Twice as many African-American infants die each year when compared to White infants. This study explores the lived experiences of African-American women to identify factors related to this racial gap in infant mortality. Thirteen African-American women from two Virginia towns participated in either a focus group or in-depth interviews. Content and interpretive analysis revealed several themes. Participants indicated that the experiences of stress and racism are constant factors in African-American women's lives and are inseparable from their pregnancy experiences. Participants noted the importance of social support and the health care provider-client relationship for positive pregnancy outcomes.
Barnes
Glenna L
GL
Department of Sociology and Social Work, North Carolina Argicultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA. glbarnes@ncat.edu
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality / Q000208:ethnology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011287:Prejudice; D014768:Virginia; D016387:Women's Health / Q000208:ethnology*