Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39704961›Full record

SynthesisJournal of racial and ethnic health disparities2026

Exploring Black Birthing Experiences: A Systematic Review and Social-Ecological Analysis of Disparities in the United States.

Grace K Kyei, Evans F Kyei, Rockson Ansong, Hannah Durowaa Odei-Opoku

Abstract readSystematic Review
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
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  3. Review
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Grace K KyeiDepartment of Nursing, Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, USA. gracekyei56@gmail.com.ORCID 0009-0005-7891-9513
Evans F KyeiCenter for Substance Use Research and Related Conditions, Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
Rockson AnsongDepartment of Nursing, Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, USA.
Hannah Durowaa Odei-OpokuCollege of Nursing, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundBlack birthing people in the United States face disproportionately high risks and adverse experiences during childbirth compared to their White counterparts. These challenges are shaped by a complex interplay of factors across individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels.

objectiveThis systematic review explores the lived experiences of Black birthing people in the United States, using the Social Ecological Model to identify and analyze factors contributing to disparities in Black birthing health experiences.

methodsEighteen qualitative studies, published between 2017 and 2024 and encompassing a sample of 570 participants, were systematically reviewed. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases between March and May 2024. Studies were selected based on stringent inclusion criteria, and thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring factors that shape Black birthing experiences in the United States.

resultsKey themes include personal health beliefs, psychological stress, medical distrust, interactions with healthcare professionals, family and peer influences, and the pervasive effects of systemic racism and healthcare policies. Together, these factors contribute to ongoing disparities in Black birthing healthcare experiences for Black birthing people in the United States.

conclusionThe findings underscore the importance of culturally competent care, equitable healthcare policies, and strong community support systems in addressing the unique challenges faced by Black birthing people. Targeted interventions, policy reforms, and continued research are essential for improving Black birthing experiences and outcomes. IMPACT: This review provides crucial insights into the multifaceted challenges in Black birthing experience emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive practices, policy changes for equity, and strengthened community resources. These steps are vital for ensuring respectful, equitable, and supportive experiences for Black birthing people in the United States.

Indexed as

Black or African AmericanHealthcare DisparitiesParturitionFemaleHumansPregnancyUnited StatesWhiteBlack birthing experienceHealthcare disparitiesSocial Ecological Model

Identifiers

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.