1
|
Poteat T, Hall P, Adams MA, Gautam DS, Ashenden R, Horn J. Caregiving Among Older Black Same-Gender-Loving Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From Qualitative Research. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2024; 64:gnad103. [PMID: 37480588 PMCID: PMC10943494 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Few data on caregiving during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic use an intersectional lens to attend to how multiple social categories, such as gender, age, race, and sexual orientation, shape caregiving experiences. This analysis sought to explore caregiving experiences of aging Black same-gender-loving women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Sixteen focus groups were conducted with 4-8 participants each (N = 102) from across the United States. Audio-recorded discussions lasted for approximately 90 min and were transcribed verbatim. Two analysts coded transcripts for discussions related to caregiving and used content analysis to identify themes. RESULTS Participants engaged in caregiving for children, parents, family, friends, and neighbors. They provided physical, economical, instrumental, and/or secondary caregiving; and sometimes received care themselves. The pandemic heavily affected their stress level and mental health as well as their intimate partner relationships. Discussions mostly offered descriptions of increased caregiving difficulty caused by the pandemic. However, a few participants identified ways the pandemic made caregiving easier; changed caregiving without making it easier or harder; or thwarted their ability to provide care. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Older Black same-gender-loving women described some pandemic caregiving experiences that diverged from the existing literature, demonstrating the importance of considering how gender, race, age, and sexual orientation affect caregiving experiences during a pandemic fraught with health inequities. Ensuring the multiply marginalized caregivers have access to the practical and emotional support they need is critical for advancing health equity and preparing for future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tonia Poteat
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Healthcare in Adult Populations, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Porsha Hall
- ZAMI NOBLA: National Organization on Black Lesbians on Aging, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mary Anne Adams
- ZAMI NOBLA: National Organization on Black Lesbians on Aging, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dipa Sharma Gautam
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robynn Ashenden
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer Horn
- Family Caregiver Support Center, Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
James KF, Klomhaus AM, Elliott T, Mensah M, Jeffers KS, Choi KR. Structural Factors in Health Care Associated With the Mental Health Needs of Black Women in California During the Perinatal Period. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2023; 52:481-490. [PMID: 37634545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify structural factors associated with the receipt of mental health care treatment among Black women in California during pregnancy and after childbirth. DESIGN Secondary analysis of data from the population-based Listening to Mothers in California survey. PARTICIPANTS The sample included 194 non-Latina Black women in the postpartum period. METHODS We used descriptive statistics, including differences between means and logistic regression, to conduct a series of bivariate analyses. RESULTS Most respondents (84.4%, n = 163) reported symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders prenatally, and half (50% n = 97) reported symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in the postpartum period. Only 12.3% to 14.6% of those who reported symptoms received mental health care treatment. Furthermore, 21.2% (n = 38) of respondents were not screened for postpartum depression. Respondents with private insurance coverage were more likely to report receipt of mental health care after childbirth (OR = 4.6; 95% confidence interval [1.5, 13.5]) compared to respondents with public insurance coverage. CONCLUSION Our results suggest a high prevalence of unmet mental health needs among non-Latina Black women who lived in California during the perinatal period. Practitioners in clinical settings may be more likely to make referrals to mental health care for women with private insurance coverage in the postpartum period.
Collapse
|
3
|
Mohammadifirouzeh M, Oh KM, Basnyat I, Gimm G. Factors Associated with Professional Mental Help-Seeking Among U.S. Immigrants: A Systematic Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:1118-1136. [PMID: 37000385 PMCID: PMC10063938 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01475-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Structural and cultural barriers have led to limited access to and use of mental health services among immigrants in the United States (U.S.). This study provided a systematic review of factors associated with help-seeking attitudes, intentions, and behaviors among immigrants who are living in the U.S. This systematic review was performed using Medline, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Global Health, and Web of Science. Qualitative and quantitative studies examining mental help-seeking among immigrants in the U.S. were included. 954 records were identified through a search of databases. After removing duplicates and screening by title and abstract, a total of 104 articles were eligible for full-text review and a total of 19 studies were included. Immigrants are more reluctant to seek help from professional mental health services due to barriers such as stigma, cultural beliefs, lack of English language proficiency, and lack of trust in health care providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mona Mohammadifirouzeh
- College of Public Health, School of Nursing, George Mason University, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Kyeung Mi Oh
- College of Public Health, School of Nursing, George Mason University, 3C4, Peterson Hall 3041, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Iccha Basnyat
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Global Affairs Program and Department of Communication, George Mason University, Horizon Hall 5200, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| | - Gilbert Gimm
- College of Public Health, Department of Health Administration and Policy, George Mason University, MS-1-J3, Peterson Hall 4410, 4400 University Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030 USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dwarakanath M, Hossain F, Balascio P, Moore MC, Hill AV, De Genna NM. Experiences of postpartum mental health sequelae among black and biracial women during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:636. [PMID: 37667206 PMCID: PMC10478375 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05929-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to qualitatively examine coping mechanisms and desired supports in pregnant and birthing Black and Biracial adolescent and young adult women during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Black and Biracial participants ages 16-23 were recruited for virtual individual semi-structured interviews. Participants (n = 25) were asked about pre- and post-natal experiences with the healthcare system, effects of the pandemic, and participants' experiences of or desires for ideal care within the healthcare system. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded for qualitative analysis using nVivo. Discussions around postpartum mental health evolved organically when asked about how participants were coping postpartum. RESULTS Nearly half the interviewees organically reported mental health symptoms consistent with postpartum depression (PPD) during questions regarding their postpartum experience. Of the 11 interviewees who reported mental health symptoms consistent with PPD, 2 were afraid to disclose their symptoms to a healthcare provider due to fear of child protective services involvement and their belief they would be treated unfairly because of their race. CONCLUSION Clinicians who care for Black and Biracial adolescent and young adult mothers must be particularly attuned to structural barriers for appropriate screening and treatment of postpartum depression. Expanding investigations of intersectional influences on young mothers' perinatal health and PPD are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megana Dwarakanath
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Fahmida Hossain
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Phoebe Balascio
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mikaela C Moore
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ashley V Hill
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Natacha M De Genna
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street Pittsburgh, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bent-Goodley T, Zonicle A, Romero-Chandler S. Perceptions, Help-Seeking, and High-Risk Domestic Violence in Black Communities. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023:8862605231168814. [PMID: 37102585 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231168814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
One in four women report experiencing intimate partner violence. Yet, nearly 45% of Black women report experiencing this same crime. In addition, while Black women compose 14% of the U.S. population, they represent 31% of domestic violence fatalities and are three times more likely than White women to be killed by an intimate partner. This points to the continued need to better understand how the Black community perceives domestic violence and how their perception influences their help-seeking strategies. This paper reports on a project examining how Black communities perceive domestic violence, high-risk domestic violence, and how these perceptions impact their help-seeking strategies. The study was conducted between April 2020 and October 2020 with 128 participants that participated in focus groups in six geographically diverse U.S. cities including rural, urban, and suburban communities. The findings reaffirmed and presented new information about the perceptions of domestic violence, the impact of inadequate and negative systems' responses, the lack of cultural responsiveness and poor police interactions, and the calculated decision-making that survivors in the Black community use to determine who to tell, how to tell, and where to go in use of adapted help-seeking strategies. Implications are provided as to how to address these issues.
Collapse
|
6
|
Floyd James K, Smith BE, Robinson MN, Thomas Tobin CS, Bulles KF, Barkin JL. Factors Associated with Postpartum Maternal Functioning in Black Women: A Secondary Analysis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020647. [PMID: 36675575 PMCID: PMC9862142 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States, 29−44% of Black women experience postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS), yet few are properly identified and/or connected to mental care services. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the relationship between maternal functioning and clinical variables (PDS, maternal−infant attachment), racial variable (Black racial identity types—low race salience, assimilated and miseducated, self-hating, anti-White, multiculturalist, and conflicted), and sociodemographic characteristics (relationship status, education, insurance, childbirth type). A total of 116 women living in the southern United States were included in the analysis. Multivariate analyses revealed that Black racial identity (p = 0.02), PDS (p < 0.0001), maternal−infant attachment (p < 0.0001), and educational level (p = 0.03) were independently associated with maternal functioning. This work provides new evidence regarding the role of various clinical and racial factors on Black postpartum women’s adjustment to motherhood. This analysis also adds to the growing body of evidence of reliability for the BIMF in Black postpartum women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kortney Floyd James
- National Clinician Scholars Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Betsy E. Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Millicent N. Robinson
- School of Social Work, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Courtney S. Thomas Tobin
- Los Angeles Jonathan and Karin Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kelby F. Bulles
- School of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Barkin
- School of Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Somerville K, Rowell T, Stadulis R, Bell D, Neal-Barnett A. An evaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of sister circles as an anxiety intervention for pregnant Black women. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231185405. [PMID: 37480300 PMCID: PMC10363880 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231185405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women and their infants face heightened health risks during pregnancy, labor, and delivery that, for many, cost them their lives. Such health risks during this critical period are linked to increased rates of anxiety among Black pregnant and postpartum women. Black women also endure racism when seeking support from mental health and healthcare providers, which further contributes to pregnancy and postpartum-related anxiety. Evidence on sister circles has demonstrated that this indigenous form of healing may provide Black pregnant and postpartum women with the support and skills needed to cope with stressors associated with mental and physical health concerns and racism. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support, a sister circle cognitive behavioral therapy-based stress and anxiety intervention for Black pregnant and postpartum women. DESIGN Our study employed a mixed-methods framework. METHODS Descriptive analyses, paired samples t-test, and open and selective coding were conducted. We utilized the following measures: Penn State Worry Questionnaire-Abbreviated, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale, focus booklet, and focus group discussion. RESULTS Participants reported experiencing moderate levels of worry and distress and low levels of pregnancy-related anxiety prior to the start of the Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support intervention. Eighty women participated in Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support. Eleven focus groups were conducted to assess their experience. Participants reported a perceived increase in their knowledge about panic attacks and stress and ability to manage stressors effectively. They found that all completed activities contributed to their development and application of skills. They reported they enjoyed Birthing Beautiful Babies Sisters Offering Support because of the supportive environment, openness, and emphasis on sisterhood. Participants provided helpful feedback about the structure and flow of the intervention. CONCLUSION Limitations of the present study and future directions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Debra Bell
- Birthing Beautiful Communities, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Thomas Z, Banks J, Eaton AA, Ward LM. 25 years of psychology research on the “strong black woman”. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zharia Thomas
- Department of Psychology Florida International University Miami Florida USA
| | - Jasmine Banks
- Department of Psychology University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA
| | - Asia A. Eaton
- Department of Psychology Florida International University Miami Florida USA
| | - L. Monique Ward
- Department of Psychology University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Platt LF, Fanning SC. The Strong Black Woman Concept: Associated Demographic Characteristics and Perceived Stress Among Black Women. JOURNAL OF BLACK PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00957984221096211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Being a “Strong Black Woman” (SBW) is a frequent cultural demand for Black Women. The physical and emotional disadvantages of this persistent racial gender role expectation are notable. The purpose of the current exploratory study was to (1) confirm a link between endorsement of the SBW schema and self-reported perceived stress and (2) investigate the potential demographic features that predict the level of endorsement of the SBW schema. A community sample of n = 185 Black women completed an online survey containing the Giscombé Superwoman Schema Questionnaire ( Woods-Giscombé et al., 2019 ), the Perceived Stress Scale-10 ( Cohen & Williamson, 1988 ), and a demographic questionnaire. The results indicated that more endorsement of SBW ideals uniquely predicted greater perceived stress. Also, only the demographic variables of age and number of children were predictors of SBW endorsement. Endorsement of SBW expectations did not vary across the other demographic variables indicating the SBW schema was prominent for most participants in the sample.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa F. Platt
- Department of Counseling and Learning Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sandy C. Fanning
- Department of Counseling and Learning Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cousin L, Johnson-Mallard V, Booker SQ. "Be Strong My Sista'": Sentiments of Strength From Black Women With Chronic Pain Living in the Deep South. ANS Adv Nurs Sci 2022; 45:127-142. [PMID: 35234672 PMCID: PMC9064901 DOI: 10.1097/ans.0000000000000416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The experience of chronic pain is influenced by gender, race, and age but is understudied in older Black women. Society and family alike expect Black older women to display superhuman strength and unwavering resilience. This qualitative study examined the narratives of 9 rural- and urban-dwelling Black older women to identify the ways in which they displayed strength while living with chronic osteoarthritis pain. Their "herstories" parallel the 5 characteristics of the Superwoman Schema/Strong Black Woman. Two additional characterizations emerged: spiritual submission for strength and code switching to suffering Black woman; these may be unique to Black Americans with pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lakeshia Cousin
- College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | | | - Staja Q. Booker
- College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Danquah R, Lopez C, Wade L, Castillo LG. Racial Justice Activist Burnout of Women of Color in the United States: Practical Tools for Counselor Intervention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING 2021; 43:519-533. [PMID: 34465931 PMCID: PMC8390016 DOI: 10.1007/s10447-021-09449-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The pervasive racially hostile climate in society can bring severe mental health ramifications, such as burnout, to racial justice activists. For women of color (WOC), intersecting identities presents additional challenges. Due to the significant psychological impact burnout can have on WOC activists, counselors need the knowledge and tools to address this mental health issue. This article aims to provide counselors with a guide to working with WOC racial justice activists in the United States by outlining challenges faced by this population, health and mental health effects of burnout, and counseling interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rudney Danquah
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4225 USA
| | - Cristal Lopez
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4225 USA
| | - Laurel Wade
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4225 USA
| | - Linda G Castillo
- Department of Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4225 USA
| |
Collapse
|