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Health Experiences of African American Mothers, Wellness in the Postpartum Period and Beyond (HEAL): A Qualitative Study Applying a Critical Race Feminist Theoretical Framework

Author

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  • S. Michelle Ogunwole

    (Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
    Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA)

  • Habibat A. Oguntade

    (Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA)

  • Kelly M. Bower

    (Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Lisa A. Cooper

    (Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
    Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
    Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

  • Wendy L. Bennett

    (Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
    Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the cultural, social, and historical factors that affect postpartum primary care utilization among Black women with cardiometabolic risk factors and to identify the needs, barriers, and facilitators that are associated with it. We conducted in-depth interviews of 18 Black women with one or more cardiometabolic complications (pre-pregnancy chronic hypertension, diabetes, obesity, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes) within one year of delivery. We recruited women from three early home-visiting programs in Baltimore, Maryland, between May 2020 and June 2021. We used Critical Race Feminism theory and a behavioral model for healthcare utilization as an analytical lens to develop a codebook and code interview transcripts. We identified and summarized emergent patterns and themes using textual and thematic analysis. We categorized our findings into six main themes: (1) The enduring influence of structural racism, (2) personally mediated racism in healthcare and beyond, (3) sociocultural beliefs about preventative healthcare, (4) barriers to postpartum care transitions, such as education and multidisciplinary communication, (5) facilitators of postpartum care transitions, such as patient–provider relationships and continuity of care, and (6) postpartum health and healthcare needs, such as mental health and social support. Critical race feminism provides a valuable lens for exploring drivers of postpartum primary care utilization while considering the intersectional experiences of Black women.

Suggested Citation

  • S. Michelle Ogunwole & Habibat A. Oguntade & Kelly M. Bower & Lisa A. Cooper & Wendy L. Bennett, 2023. "Health Experiences of African American Mothers, Wellness in the Postpartum Period and Beyond (HEAL): A Qualitative Study Applying a Critical Race Feminist Theoretical Framework," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-29, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:13:p:6283-:d:1185643
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    References listed on IDEAS

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