Dissertation
The experiences of African American mothers with the cesarean procedure: a hermeneutic phenomenological study
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Apr 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001616
Abstract
Over the last several decades, cesarean section (C-section) rates have continued to climb at an alarming pace. In the United States alone, a third of all births are C-sections. This is especially troublesome because of the well-documented short- and long-term risks associated with the procedure. Many factors contribute to the rising cesarean numbers. A deep investigation reveals that the rates are even higher for women of lower socioeconomic standing and even more disconcerting, research suggests the disparity could be linked to nonclinical determinants. This qualitative study employed hermeneutic phenomenology for its theoretical framework to specifically examine African American mothers' experiences before and after the cesarean surgery in order to compare their expected medical care with their actual medical experience. Study participants were identified and interviewed, and thematic analysis was used to provide essential information from the patient's point of view that could contribute to improving the way obstetric care is provided for expectant mothers, particularly those in underprivileged or underserved communities. The emerging themes gleaned from the research study reinforce the need, on a micro level, for improved communication between patients and healthcare providers and, on a macro level, for the widespread adoption of socially sensitized healthcare protocols. The goal is to establish a more uniform level of care irrespective of race or economic status.
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Details
- Title
- The experiences of African American mothers with the cesarean procedure
- Creators
- Angelique Simmonds
- Contributors
- Joy C. Phillips (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xi, 103 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991020340612804721