Date of Conferral

5-16-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Human Services

Advisor

Tracy Jackson

Abstract

Walden University College of Psychology and Community Services This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Lovelia Latrese Dixon has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Tracy Jackson, Committee Chairperson, Human Services Faculty Dr. Antoinette Pigatt, Committee Member, Human Services Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2025 The study examined the barriers African American mothers living in rural areas face when accessing healthcare due to lack of information, transportation, and affordability. Understanding the unique barriers faced when accessing healthcare provided valuable insights to help alleviate barriers and improve the health of African American mothers in rural areas. The purpose of this qualitative generic research study was to gather insights into the experience of African American mothers in rural areas facing access to healthcare ages 18 to 64. To gain a comprehensive perspective on the population's healthcare access abilities, the study included Levesque’s conceptual framework, introduced in 2013. Data collection involved semi-structured, open-ended interviews with a purposive sample of eight African American mothers from the specified rural areas, with analysis conducted manually using Microsoft Word. The inclusion criteria were individuals living in rural central Mississippi and southern Tennessee areas, with private or Medicaid government insurance. The findings were organized around three primary themes: (a) transportation, (b) lack of information, and (c) affordability. Findings from this study highlight the barriers that African American mothers in rural areas face when accessing healthcare. Understanding the factors impacting healthcare access, especially for marginalized groups like African American mothers in rural areas, is crucial. By addressing these barriers, healthcare professionals can promote positive change and make efficient use of limited resources, ultimately enhancing healthcare outcomes in rural communities.

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