The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

5169.0: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 2:30 PM

Abstract #60974

Beneath the surface: Qualitative analytic comparison of pregnancy and birth experiences of African American/Black and non-Hispanic White women

Alyson K Shupe, PhD, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246, (303)692-2168, alyson.shupe@state.co.us, Jodi G Drisko, MSPH, Health Statistics Section, Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment, HSVR-HS-A1, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246-1630, and Chris S. Wells, MS, Health Statistics Section, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246-1530.

The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring (PRAMS) is a population-based risk factor surveillance system designed to identify and monitor behaviors and experiences of women before, during, and after pregnancy. This surveillance system was developed to supplement vital records data to generate state-specific data about perinatal health. Information is collected by surveying a sample of women who have recently given birth. Although data generated through PRAMS are quantitative in nature, the last page of the PRAMS survey invites comments from the respondent. Many respondents take advantage of this opportunity and write about issues related to the experience of pregnancy and childbirth that are not included in the survey. In 2002, Colorado conducted a special PRAMS in which all African American/Black women giving birth in Colorado during a six month period were surveyed. At the same time, the regular PRAMS survey was given to a sample of all births in Colorado, the majority of which are to non-Hispanic White women. Qualitative analyses were conducted comparing the comments written on the surveys from African American/Black women to those comments written by White women. Major themes were identified and contrasted. This presentation will illustrate similarities and differences in the statements and provide insight into core issues faced by respondents. Participants in this session will learn how to apply qualitative methods to analyze survey comment data. They will also learn how African American/Black and White women giving birth in Colorado are similar and different in their pregnancy experiences. Implications for program planning will be addressed.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Pregnancy Outcomes, African American

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Racial Disparities in Maternal and Child Health

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA