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Untrustworthiness, ineffective communication, and discrimination: The real issues behind lower utilization of labor
Hideyo Tsumura1, Kathryn I Pollak2, Sarahn Wheeler3
1Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC.
Background:
Non-Hispanic Black pregnant individuals utilize up to 50% less labor epidural analgesia compared to non-Hispanic White individuals.
Purpose:
This Outlook and Perspectives aims to evaluate the factors contributing to racial differences in the utilization of labor epidural analgesia.
Methods:
Literature on scientific evidence regarding racial disparities in maternal outcomes and labor pain management was reviewed and summarized.
Findings:
We identified that trust issues with healthcare and providers, ineffective patient-provider communication, and perceived mistreatment and discrimination contribute to these disparities in labor pain management.
Discussion:
Further research is needed to develop strategies to enhance birthing experiences for Black individuals, including improving patient-provider communication and providing accurate, culturally sensitive patient education on labor pain management.
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