Perspectives of African American and White women in Tallahassee, Florida: Healthy pregnancies and healthy babies

Background: Infant mortality disparities among African American populations of the US are well established. Although decades of research have been conducted, many women still lack awareness of the key healthy pregnancy elements. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) was utilized to frame the study and interpret findings. Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of multiparous Non-Hispanic African American and White women regarding what it takes to have a healthy pregnancy and birth outcome before, during and after pregnancy. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 female participants between the ages of 30 and 44 who lived in Tallahassee, Florida. NVIVO was employed to analyze the qualitative data. Results: This study identified intrapersonal, social, cultural, and environmental influences that may account for the lack of awareness mothers had regarding components of a healthy pregnancy, and the perceived benefits and barriers regarding those components. When asked what prenatal care meant, answers focused solely on medical services and not on social and environmental support. Stress management themes included negative work experiences while pregnant and lack of support. Misunderstandings regarding nutritional and physical activity behaviors, and prenatal vitamins were also detected, as was a general lack of health education from medical care providers. Conclusions: There is a silence that needs to be addressed regarding harmful behaviors during pregnancy, as well as effective guidance regarding stress management that was nearly absent from the women's narratives. Future public health promotion and research must take these themes into consideration.