Abstract
For many years in the United States there has been an active discussion about whether race concordance between care providers and patients contributes to better health outcomes. While several beneficial effects have been associated with concordance, there is minimal evidence for health outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted including 200 Black mothers who had given birth within the last two years asking about the perceived racial identity of their birth health provider and whether they preferred to have a Black female provider. In addition to race and gender concordance, several other variables, including respect, trust for the care provider, perceived competence, care provider empathy and inclusive communication, were tested for their impact on birth satisfaction. Black mothers showed a preference for Black female providers during birth. Forty-one percent of the mothers in this study were assisted in birth by a Black female provider. While care provider competence and respect shown to the patient contributed to birth satisfaction, neither race nor gender concordance showed any effect. Twenty-four percent of mothers were dissatisfied with the obstetric care given by their Black and White providers. While about half of the participants showed a preference for race concordance with their birthing provider, Black and White providers were equally associated with respect, competence, trust, and birth satisfaction. Whether in fact race concordance contributes to better health outcomes needs additional investigation.
Presenters
Joanne GoldbortAssociate Professor, Nursing, Michigan State University, Michigan, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
RACE CONCORDANCE IN BIRTH, BLACK MOTHERS AND PROVIDERS, CONCORDANCE AND HEALTH OUTCOMES, HEALTH OUTCOMES, BLACK OB/GYNS
