| Affiliations: | DeBakey Executive Research Leadership Program |
| Project Leader: | Kobi Ajayi omo_debare@tamu.edu Public Health Sciences |
| Faculty Mentor: | Robin Page, Ph.D. |
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Meeting Times:
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TBA |
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Team Size:
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7 |
| Open Spots: | 0 |
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Special Opportunities:
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Team members will: 1) learn how to conduct qualitative analysis, including interview skills, data analysis, etc.; 2) design research protocols, including IRB materials, interview guides, flyers, etc.); 3) conduct literature reviews; 4) develop academic writing skills; 5) have the opportunity to co-author a manuscript for journal publication (depending on the level of engagement); and 6) have fun conducting research to improve Black maternal health.
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Team Needs:
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Health-related majors are encouraged, but ALL are welcome to apply. Commitment is a must; team members must be available for bi-weekly meetings, detail-oriented, willing to learn academic writing, have excellent communication skills, and be passionate about the research topic. |
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Description:
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Although more than 60% of maternal deaths in the United States are preventable, Black women have higher rates of pregnancy-related mortality ratio (41.4 per 100,000 live births) compared to American Indian or Alaska Native women (26.5), Asian (14.1), White (13.7), and Hispanic (11.2). Black women are twice as likely to lose an infant to premature death. While multiple complex factors influence the disproportionate Black maternal health, emerging research indicates that access to comprehensive reproductive health services may advance equitable maternal health. This project employs a qualitative design using focus groups and interviews to understand Black female college students: 1) preconception screening and counseling knowledge, awareness, and utilization; 2) knowledge of family histories of maternal health conditions (e.g., adverse birth outcomes and chronic diseases). Information about the media’s influence on the perspectives of maternal healthcare, utilization of reproductive health services, and motherhood of Black female college students will be investigated. |