Isabel Hinshaw
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Clayton Shuman
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Systems, Populations, and Leadership / Nursing
Program: UROP
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Authors: Isabel Hinshaw, Clayton Shuman
Abstract
Background Racial disparities in maternal mental health are a significant problem in the United States, and are especially prominent in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. These disparities in mental health and care are heightened by factors such as lower socioeconomic status, lack of access to affordable health insurance, poor patient-provider communication, systemic racism, and COVID-19 stressors. Thus, more research is needed to describe the peripartum and postpartum experiences of persons of color. Purpose To describe the perceptions of postpartum patients who identify as a person of color regarding their peripartum experiences and outcomes alongside the intersection of several sociodemographic factors. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive design, 10 postpartum patients who identified as persons of color were interviewed. Participants were 4-12 weeks postpartum, resided in the state of Michigan, and were recruited through clinics, quality improvement collaboratives, and through snowballing sampling methods. Interviews lasted about 30 minutes and were conducted over telephone using a semi-structured interview guide. Audio files were transcribed verbatim and then analyzed independently by 4 investigators to identify major and minor themes. Results Data collection and analysis is still underway. Results will be ready in time for the symposium. Conclusion Although data analysis is ongoing, we anticipate that findings will inform clinical practice, community resources, and policy to improve maternal care and maternal health outcomes for minority women. By identifying racial disparities in maternal care exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, this study adds nuance to the understanding of pregnancy related stressors and improves recognition of minority mothers’ mental health needs.
