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Black Women’s Perspectives on Structural Racism across the Reproductive Lifespan: A Conceptual Framework for Measurement Development

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Abstract

Background

Exposures to structural racism has been identified as one of the leading risk factors for adverse maternal and infant health outcomes among Black women; yet current measures of structural racism do not fully account for inequities seen in adverse maternal and infant health outcomes between Black and white women and infants. In response, the purpose of this study was to conceptualize structural racism from the perspectives of Black women across the reproductive lifespan and its potential impact on adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a series of focus groups with 32 Black women across the reproductive lifespan (5 preconception, 13 pregnant, and 14 postpartum). Study criteria including self-identifying as Black, residing in Oakland or Fresno, California and representing one of three reproductive life tracks (preconception, pregnant, postpartum). We consulted with study participants and an expert advisory board to validate emergent domains of structural racism.

Results

Nine domains of structural racism emerged from a ground theory constant comparative analysis: Negative Societal Views; Housing; Medical Care; Law Enforcement; Hidden Resources; Employment; Education, Community Infrastructure; and Policing Black Families.

Conclusions for Practice

Findings from this study suggest that there is an interplay among structural racism, and social and structural determinants of health which has negative impacts on Black women’s sexual and reproductive health. Furthermore, findings from this study can be used to develop more comprehensive medical assessments and policies to address structural racism experienced by Black women across the reproductive lifespan.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the University of California, San Francisco, California Preterm Birth Initiative, funded by Marc and Lynne Benioff. Brittany Chambers was supported by a NICHD/ORWH-funded K12 [K12 HD052163]. We would like to acknowledge and thank the women who participated in our focus groups. We would also like to thank our community partners including Black Infant Health of Fresno and Alameda Counties, Breastfriends Mommy Group, Black Women Birthing Justice, and the Roots of Labor Birth Collective. In addition, we would like to acknowledge our expert advisory board members.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, School of Medicine, University of California, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0132, USA

    Brittany D. Chambers

  2. UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative, University of California, 3333 California Street, Suite 285, San Francisco, CA, 94118, USA

    Brittany D. Chambers, Brianne Taylor & Brandi Gates

  3. Family Health Care Nursing Department, University of California, 2 Koret Way, N431H, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA

    Helen A. Arega, Silvia E. Arabia, Karen A. Scott & Monica R. McLemore

  4. Health Science and Recreation Department, California State University, 1 Washington Square, San Jose, CA, 95112, USA

    Robyn G. Barron

  5. West Oakland Health Center, 700 Adeline, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA

    Brandi Gates & Loretta Scruggs-Leach

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  1. Brittany D. Chambers
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  2. Helen A. Arega
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Correspondence to Brittany D. Chambers.

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Chambers, B.D., Arega, H.A., Arabia, S.E. et al. Black Women’s Perspectives on Structural Racism across the Reproductive Lifespan: A Conceptual Framework for Measurement Development. Matern Child Health J 25, 402–413 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-020-03074-3

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