Online Program

320556
Racism and the sexual and reproductive health of African American women: Historical evidence and implications for public health


Monday, November 2, 2015 : 1:10 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Cynthia Prather, PhD, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Taleria R. Fuller, PhD, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA
William L. Jeffries IV, PhD, MPH, MA, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD & TB Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention/Prevention Research Branch, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Khiya Marshall, DrPH, Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA
A. Vyann Howell, MS, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Angela Belyue-Umole, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Winifred King, PhD, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Considerable progress has been made to improve the sexual and reproductive health of U.S. women. However African American women are disproportionately affected by multiple sexual and reproductive health conditions. African American women represented 64% of the estimated new HIV infections in 2010. Almost 36% of pregnancy-related deaths between 2006-2010 were among non-Hispanic black women. These negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes may be due to the historical context and current racism-related social and health care experiences among African American women in the U.S. Thus, a historical analysis through which racism shapes sexual and reproductive health might improve understanding of their current health outcomes. We reviewed a combination of significant historical events (i.e., peer-reviewed sources and books) from slavery through the post-civil rights eras that potentially play a role in current health outcomes. We also explored the link between the historical experiences, current sexual and reproductive health outcomes and the continuum of racism-related social determinants (i.e., poverty, limited education, and residential segregation) which began in slavery and currently influence the health status of African American women. Lastly, we discussed the need to develop new models for health promotion and strategies to address racism, which may improve African American women’s health across the life course and promote health equity. Comprehensive programs might facilitate long-term, sustainable improvements in health for the larger population of African American women.

Learning Areas:

Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Discuss how racism and historical events influence present health outcomes for African American women Describe a socio-ecological approach to understanding racism and African American women’s sexual and reproductive health Discuss activities that may improve the sexual and reproductive health of African American women

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have led or co-authored manuscripts that address the role of racism and the health of African American populations, with an emphasis on HIV prevention among women. My interests include integrating models into programs that provide a perspective to understand how unique contextual experiences are intertwined within the African American experience and linked to health outcomes. Ultimately, my interest is in health equity.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.