Perceptions of Maternal Mortality Risk and Influences Among Women of Color

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of maternal mortality among women of color who identify as Black, Hispanic, or multiracial, including their understanding of perceived risk factors and the influence of recent perinatal experiences on these perceptions.

A qualitative, descriptive design was used to conduct this study.

Participants were recruited for a semistructured, virtual interview to discuss their perceptions related to maternal mortality.

Thirty women of color who identify as Black, Hispanic, or multiracial and live in Indiana participated in interviews.

Six themes emerged: (a) limited understanding of maternal mortality, (b) increased awareness of factors related to maternal mortality after experiences of perinatal complications, (c) fear due to perceived high risk of perinatal complications, (d) feeling dismissed during perinatal care, (e) barriers to quality perinatal care and lack of trust in health care systems, and (f) social support and advocacy as protective factors for preventing maternal mortality.

Women of color need more awareness of warning signs for maternal mortality; they frequently have negative perinatal care experiences and can benefit from social support. Nurses can improve perinatal practice by increasing knowledge of maternal mortality, promoting a respectful maternity care framework, and increasing social support.