Cultural Humility within Black Maternal Health: A Qualitative Action Research Study

Abstract

Demetria A Buie

This capstone utilized a qualitative action research study with a generic inquiry methodology. This capstone explored perinatal social workers, Black mothers who have given birth within one year, and certified doulas' perspectives regarding the integration of cultural humility practices within advocacy. The research question was, “How can perinatal social workers improve advocacy through cultural humility practices within Black maternal health?” The study recruited 15 participants: five perinatal social workers, five Black women who gave birth within one year, and five certified doulas. This study intended to improve the birthing experiences of Black mothers who had given birth within one year improve by identifying culturally sensitive interventions for perinatal social workers to utilize to improve advocacy with the incorporation of cultural humility. The participants completed semi-structured interviews to describe their perspectives and lived experiences related to the research question. The theoretical framework was empowerment theory, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Research findings demonstrated the importance of implementing cultural humility practice when working with expectant Black mothers. Three themes identified were the following: Applying culture within the practice, social work principles, and the establishment of therapeutic relationships. A resource guide was created from the themes. The resource guide documents interventions regarding how to respectfully implement cultural humility practice within advocacy for expectant Black mothers.

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