Understanding low-income African American women's expectations, preferences, and priorities in prenatal care.
We aimed to explore factors affecting prenatal care attendance and preferences for prenatal care experiences among low-income black women by conducting a focus group study using a community-based participatory research framework and nominal group technique. Discussions were audiorecorded, transcribed, and coded by trained reviewers. Friends/family and baby's health were the top attendance motivators. Greatest barriers were insurance, transportation, and ambivalence. Facilitators included transportation services, social support, and resource education. In a "perfect system," women wanted continuity of care, personal connection, and caring/respect from providers. Relationship-centered maternity care models may mitigate disparities. Group prenatal care may provide the continuity and support system desired.
Indiana University School of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Indianapolis (Dr Tucker Edmonds); Maternity Care Coalition, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Dr Mogul); and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (Dr Shea).
Brownsyne
B
Tucker Edmonds
Marjie
M
Mogul
Judy A
JA
Shea
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015143:Philadelphia; D011203:Poverty; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care