Date of Conferral

5-7-2024

Date of Award

5-7-2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Andrew Carpenter

Abstract

African immigrant children living in the United States (US) are highly susceptible to medically complex, life-limiting, and life-threatening conditions, including rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. As primary caregivers, mothers frequently need a break from their caregiving responsibilities to experience normalcy, rest, and regenerate their reserves, which is critical to their families’ long-term stability. The purpose of this study was to understand access barriers to respite care services for these mothers and the role of race in potential disparities in access using a critical race theoretical lens. The generic qualitative research design was used with semi-structured interviews using broad and open-ended questions to address African immigrant mothers of children with complex needs (ages 17 and under) living in the US. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 5 participants for semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis to interpret study findings. The key findings underscored the imperative to consider the intersectionalities and nuances within the experiences and perceptions of these African immigrant mothers. The more adjacent participants were with American culture, wealth, status, English language, and whiteness, the less hardship they faced when accessing services. Findings may help achieve mandates for positive social change and social determinants of health among African immigrant mothers of children with complex health needs by improving access to family support services and care – ensuring positive health and quality of life outcomes for these mothers and their families.

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