Hopes and dreams: poverty, motherhood and health care

Racial and ethnic differences in health outcomes exist in all areas of health care even when factors related to income; insurance status and access to care are controlled. The importance of the social environment versus biological influences a person’s health status are explored in this study. Healthy People 2020 identified maternal health status to pregnancy-related health outcomes and African American women are at greater risk for poor pregnancy outcomes including increased rates of maternal, perinatal, neonatal, and infant mortality. Study Purpose: To understand the meaning of being and African-American woman living in poverty and their experiences with the health care system. Research Design: Exploratory qualitative, community-based participatory action research study used oral and digital storytelling. Participants and Setting: African American mothers residing in government subsidized housing. Data Collection and Analysis: Focus groups, storytelling, and photovoice for data collection. Thematic analysis the focus groups’ transcriptions and storyboard findings was conducted. Results: Common themes from the transcripts were “respect me…don’t stereotype me” and “be safe.” Themes from storyboards were “love of family,” “love of community,” and “hope for the future.” Courage, family, and community are the foundation of their lives. Limitation: Sample size does not allow generalization to larger populations.