Abstract
This thesis explores the realities of prenatal care use among low-income, inner-city black women. The sudden nationwide awareness of the problems of health care for women makes the study very important. The purpose of this study is to examine, in a a qualitative manner, the views and attitudes of poor, urban women concerning their own prenatal care awareness and use. Data was gathered during an approximately one hour interview with ten women. During the interview, respondents were questioned in detail about their own prenatal care and any barriers deterring them from obtaining it. As a result of the study, it can be concluded that the use of prenatal care is linked closely with the attitudes and personality of the women as well as any constraints to health care due to poverty. Poverty is what stimulates these women to take care of themselves or deal with each struggle they must face in the best way they know possible. Further research concerning prenatal care for women in poverty will be necessary until black infants stop dying at twice the rate of whites and the Infant Mortality Rate of the United States drops considerably. More in-depth qualitative studies need to follow in the future. Longitudinal studies following an established number of women through each of their pregnancies and lifestyle changes can help us achieve better prenatal care and healthier babies.
Advisor
McConnell, David
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
Recommended Citation
Kurtz, Elizabeth A., "Senior Independent Study Thesis in Sociology" (1994). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 6260.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/6260
Publication Date
1994
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 1994 Elizabeth A. Kurtz