Date of Award

5-1-2010

Degree Type

Dissertation

University or Center

Clark Atlanta University(CAU)

School

School of Arts and Sciences

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Africana Women's Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Josephine B. Bradley

Second Advisor

Dr. Mary Arnold Twining

Third Advisor

Dr. Beletia M. Diamond

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate salient factors that contributed to the deficient levels of maternity care received by African-American women in Leake County, Mississippi. Utilizing Three Levels of Racism and Structural and Non-Structural Barriers to Care as the conceptual framework, this study examined rural African American women’s experiences with reproductive healthcare, revealing patterns and concerns related to the levels of care received by this community. Narrative Analysis and Grounded Theory were utilized in exposing the development of belief systems unique to this population of rural African-American women. The results of this study reveal several ideas and cultural patterns that respondents demonstrated during this study. Using Cultural Environmental Conditioning as part of theory development also exposed culturally specific themes. One such idiosyncratic theme is the Black Bottle Syndrome. This syndrome is prevalent as a means of explaining the level of care and suspicion that rural African-American women experienced in Leake County, Mississippi. This study provides a foundational background emphasizing the need for further research and model development relevant to specific minority populations. idiosyncratic theme is the Black Bottle Syndrome. This syndrome is prevalent as a means of explaining the level of care and suspicion that rural African-American women experienced in Leake County, Mississippi. This study provides a foundational background emphasizing the need for further research and model development relevant to specific minority populations.


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