Problem:
Problem Statement
The problem is that racism in healthcare persists across structural, institutional, and interpersonal levels, shaping inequities in access to care and the quality of treatment for racially and ethnically minoritized populations, resulting in disproportionately poorer health outcomes, including significantly higher rates of maternal morbidity and mortality among Black women compared to White women (Howell & Zeitlin, 2024).
Purpose Statement:
The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to examine how structural, institutional, and interpersonal racism influence the quality of maternal healthcare experiences and outcomes among Black women in the United States.
Population, Sample, and Data Sources
The target population for this study will consist of Black women aged 18 and older who have experienced pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum care within the past two years in the United States. Inclusion criteria will require participants to self-identify as Black or African American and to have received care within a hospital or clinical setting, while exclusion criteria will include individuals who have not accessed formal healthcare services during pregnancy. A sample size of approximately 150-200 participants will be used for the quantitative component to ensure sufficient statistical power for detecting relationships among key variables, while a purposive subsample of 15-20 participants will be selected for in-depth qualitative interviews to capture detailed lived experiences. This sample size is consistent with recommendations for mixed-methods research. Need Assignment Help?