African-American Women’s Conceptualizations of Health Disparities: A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach
October 20th, 2009 Posted by: admin
Abstract Health disparities among African-American families represent a significant social problem. Nationally, African-American infants
have dramatically worse birth outcomes than other racial and ethnic groups. A Community-Based Participatory Research approach
was utilized to engage community residents. This study examined participants’ definitions of infant mortality, views on the
community impact of infant mortality, and strengths and vulnerabilities in the health care service delivery system. Qualitative
data were gathered in a rural North Florida community where health education groups are conducted. Eight focus groups were
arranged with African-American women (n = 46), ranging in age from 14 to 35, who were pregnant, parenting children under the age of two. Respondents poignantly described
personal experiences of loss associated with infant mortality. They indicated awareness of problems related to lack of accessibility
and availability of medical and social services. The use of social-ecological theory and implications for policy and social
justice are discussed.
have dramatically worse birth outcomes than other racial and ethnic groups. A Community-Based Participatory Research approach
was utilized to engage community residents. This study examined participants’ definitions of infant mortality, views on the
community impact of infant mortality, and strengths and vulnerabilities in the health care service delivery system. Qualitative
data were gathered in a rural North Florida community where health education groups are conducted. Eight focus groups were
arranged with African-American women (n = 46), ranging in age from 14 to 35, who were pregnant, parenting children under the age of two. Respondents poignantly described
personal experiences of loss associated with infant mortality. They indicated awareness of problems related to lack of accessibility
and availability of medical and social services. The use of social-ecological theory and implications for policy and social
justice are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- DOI 10.1007/s10464-009-9260-x
- Authors
- Tiffany D. Baffour, University of Maryland, Baltimore County School of Social Work 1000 Hilltop Circle, AC-IV-B-361 Baltimore MD 21250 USA
- Jill M. Chonody, College of Health Professions and Social Work School of Social Work 1301 Cecil B Moore Ave, Ritter Annex, 5th floor Philadelphia PA 19122 USA
- Journal American Journal of Community Psychology
- Online ISSN 1573-2770
- Print ISSN 0091-0562
