Date of Conferral

9-17-2024

Date of Award

September 2024

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Health Services

Advisor

Nazarene Tubman

Abstract

The practical manifestation of health inequality can cause a severe societal problem for the African American community. African American women are at risk of their lives and often live in abject poverty. The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological design study was to understand the personal viewpoint and perspective of the lived experiences of African American women regarding their prenatal care experiences. The research question will address perceptions of African American women regarding their prenatal care experience in Southern New York." The qualitative dissertation employs a researcher-designed interview protocol based on Kleinman’s explanatory model of illness. After conducting semi-structured interviews to collect data, the responses of 10 African American women who had at least one pregnancy were between 18 and 50 and spoke English. They were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes emerged during data analysis to address this question: (a) interactions with prenatal care personnel were limited or rushed but rarely discriminatory, (b) overall experiences of prenatal care quality was mixed, and (c) racism and lack of cultural sensitivity were perceived as general problems confronting African American women in prenatal care. Research findings provide essential information regarding the experiences of African American women in prenatal care, indicating the need for enhanced diversity in the healthcare system to mitigate racism and discrimination against minority women such as African American women. The outcome of the study may help healthcare stakeholders develop essential policies and programs to enhance equity in healthcare systems.

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