A Qualitative Study on the C-Section Experiences of Black Women in the Southeast United States Open Access
Anaba, Michelle (Spring 2022)
Abstract
Black women face some of the greatest disparities in healthcare and healthcare access. These disparities often stem from racism as opposed to genetic factors. Black women face the greatest health disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality, and they have the highest c-section rates out of all other racial groups in the United States. These disparities stem from racism, providers’ implicit bias, and providers not listening to Black women. Often, Black women are ignored when they express concerns during their prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum experiences. They may have issues that left untreated, could lead to adverse health outcomes or even death.
There is research that shows that c-sections may be overused in the United States. Physicians are typically paid more for c-sections than vaginal deliveries, and c-sections may be viewed as more convenient for a physician, since they can be scheduled. There are several reasons why the c-section rates for Black women may be higher than other races. Black women often do not have access to high-quality healthcare, and may only have access to hospitals with high rates of adverse health outcomes. Additionally, physicians may ignore Black women’s symptoms and not find issues until later, if at all. There are some qualitative studies that provide data on why Black women face adverse maternal and child health issues, but there are not many qualitative studies that focus on Black women’s perspectives on c-section experiences. This qualitative study will focus on the experiences of Black women in the Southeast who have had a c-section within the past 15 years. The aims of this study are to hear directly from Black women and find out what their experiences were, how they were treated by medical staff, and whether they felt their c-section was necessary.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Physician Preference and Financial Pressure to Recommend C-Sections
Health Disparities
Disregard for Black Women’s Concerns
Chapter 3: Methods
Introduction
Participant Recruitment
Data Collection
Interview Guide
Data Analysis Methodology
Chapter 4: Results
Introduction
Sample Description
Key Findings
The Need for Medical Staff to Improve Communication with Black Women
The Need to Improve the Healthcare System and Childbirth Process for Black Women
The Need for Black Mothers to Self-Advocate or Identify an Advocate
Summary of Findings
Chapter 5: Discussion
Discussion of Key Results
Public Health Implications
Individual-Birthing Black Women
Relationship/Interpersonal- Advocates and Birthing Support People
Community & Institutional- Medical Professionals
Societal- Society and Policies
Future Directions
Conclusions
References
Appendices
Appendix A- Interview Guide
Appendix B- Demographics Table
Appendix C- Visual Framework of Key Themes
About this Master's Thesis
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