Abstract
Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) women are faced with numerous health inequities, including adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. These outcomes are likely exacerbated for Black DHH women because of the intersection of disability and race. This study aimed to explore the pregnancy and birth experiences of Black DHH women to identify factors that influence their pregnancy outcomes.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted between 2018 and 2019 with 67 DHH women who gave birth in the past five years. The present study represents a subgroup analysis of eight (out of the 67) women who self-identified as Black. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for emerging themes.
Primary themes centered on unmet needs, barriers, and facilitators. Barriers included limited access to health information due to communication difficulties and challenges obtaining accommodations. Key facilitators included sign language interpreters, familial support, and cultural understanding from providers. Participants emphasized these facilitators in their recommendations to providers and DHH women. Findings also underscored the critical role of recognizing cultural identity in perinatal healthcare delivery.
This study outlines themes that affect pregnancy and birthing experiences among Black DHH women in the United States. Study implications include a call to action for providers to prioritize communication accommodations, accessible information, and compassionate care for all Black DHH women. Furthermore, future work should explore the impact of cultural and racial concordance between patients and their healthcare providers and staff. Understanding how intersectional identities affect perinatal healthcare access is crucial for reducing disparities among Black DHH women.
