Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Colette M. Taylor

Second Advisor

Trenia L. Walker

Third Advisor

Brian R. Taberski

Abstract

This systematic qualitative review explored existing literature to understand the strategies community-based perinatal organizations employ to address perinatal morbidity and maternal mortality within communities of color and how cultural congruence healthcare workers may improve the perinatal health outcomes of these communities. This study explored 20 studies published within the United States between 2014 and 2024 focused on strategies employed by perinatal organizations serving marginalized communities and how leveraging cultural congruence may be instrumental in reducing perinatal healthcare inequalities within communities of color.

After a thorough review of these 20 studies, it was determined that key strategies exist for addressing perinatal and maternal mortality in communities of color. These include investing in doulas and midwives of color, investing in cultural-congruence and anti-discrimination training for healthcare professionals, recognizing doulas as healthcare professionals, and ensuring collaboration and continuity of care between community-based perinatal organizations, healthcare practitioners, and the clientele they serve within communities of color.

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