Nowadays, the healthcare system develops and enhances approaches in treatment and diagnostics in terms of patient care in order to reduce mortality and morbidity. However, despite breakthroughs and innovations, social justice issues continue to exist. Young black women are especially at risk of experiencing maternal mortality and morbidity due to socioeconomic factors prevailing in society. The following research question needs to be addressed: How do educational status, low-socioeconomic status, and racism result in an increase in maternal mortality/morbidity in black women ages 18-32 in Houston, Texas?
Race and ethnicity are essential sociocultural notions not only in politics but healthcare as well. They represent shared territorial origins, cultural heritage, and social development of socially determined groups within nations (Chinn et al., 2021). When analyzing these factors, research by Chinn and colleagues (2021) shows that compared to the U.S. average for women, black women earn $5,500 less annually and have greater rates of unemployment and poverty. Furthermore, compared to White women, Black women reside in areas that are more racially divided and have inferior real estate values (Chinn et al., 2021). Aside from this, between 2007 and 2014, maternal mortality among black women increased at the quickest pace (Howell, 2018). In certain locations, maternal mortality rates are up to 12 times higher than those of non-Hispanic white women (Howell, 2018). Thus, it can be seen that many socioeconomic factors influence the well-being of black women.
Black women continue to die at greater rates than other American women, specifically demonstrating greater percentages of maternal death. Therefore, the research must be conducted since extreme morbidity presents an enormous danger to women’s well-being and women of color experience adverse pregnancy morbidity incidents at greater rates. The study is essential for the healthcare system since it shows that the social context in which people inhabit has an impact on health outcomes. In addition to contributing to the present crisis of maternal morbidity and death, the increased burden of these chronic diseases is a reflection of the systemic injustices black women endure throughout their lives, both inside and outside the healthcare system. Thus, the research on black women’s maternal mortality and morbidity in Texas must be conducted to deepen the knowledge in healthcare.
References
Chinn, J. J., Martin, I. K., & Redmond, N. (2021). Health equity among black women in the United States. Journal of Women’s Health, 30(2), 212–219. Web.
Howell, E. A. (2018). Reducing disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, 61(2), 387–399. Web.