Program
Nurse-Midwifery M.S.
Number of Pages
37
Year Approved
2025
First Advisor
Wu, Katrina
Second Reader
Taneesha Douglas
Abstract
Introduction - Black maternal mortality remains a crucial public health crisis in the United States despite a plethora of research on the incidence. This presents in the persistent disparities in health outcomes between Black and White mothers and newborns. While numerous studies have explored isolated factors contributing to this issue, few have synthesized the full scope of barriers and facilitators influencing Black maternal health outcomes in the United States specifically.
Research Aim - This integrative review aims to identify and organize the key facilitators and barriers to reducing Black maternal mortality in the United States using the socio-ecological model as a framework.
Methods - A formalized search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted utilizing database searching and citation searching, with articles screened according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Selected studies were then analyzed and categorized according to the five levels of the socio-ecological model: individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and societal. Facilitators and barriers were then attributed to each of the five categories above.
Results - This integrative review revealed that facilitators included preconception health counseling, easily digestible postpartum education, culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care, trusting relationships between patients and providers, equitable access to local maternity services, and increased representation of Black providers within maternity care. Key barriers included elevated stress from lifelong racialized experiences, implicit bias of providers, rampant structural racism, inconsistent provider education, and inequitable access to quality care and community support. Overall, the strongest voice was that of Black women who desire to be seen, heard, known, and respected by their maternal care providers.
Discussion - This review highlights the complex nature of Black maternal mortality and emphasizes the need for creative and useful interventions at every level of the socio-ecological model. While individual and interpersonal efforts are essential, sustained improvements will require systemic changes, policy reforms, and the inclusion of Black women's voices in maternal healthcare design and delivery.
Degree Name
M.S. Nurse-Midwifery
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Andersson, M. M., & Goes, E. L. (2025). Facilitators and Barriers to Reducing Maternal Mortality Rates in Non-Hispanic Black Women: An Integrative Review [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1188
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