Date of Award

5-2023

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Academic Program

Nursing BSN

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Elizabeth Tinnon, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Maria Brown, Ph.D.

Advisor Department

Nursing

Abstract

The literature highlights ethnic and racial disparities within healthcare and maternal outcomes. African American mothers have suffered from disproportionate mortality and morbidity rates compared to Caucasian women for centuries. In 2007–2016, African American and American Indian/Alaska Native women had significantly more pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 births than did Caucasians, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander women. Cardiomyopathy, thrombotic pulmonary embolism, and hypertensive disorders are the three leading causes of complications during pregnancy among African Americans. The purpose of the research study was to identify if nurses and nursing students can recognize the early and late signs and symptoms of cardiomyopathy, thrombotic pulmonary embolism, and hypertensive disorders in African American mothers. The research study used a quantitative research method by using a survey to collect the data. The research tool was administered via Qualtrics. Participants were recruited using flyers, which were distributed to classmates and co-workers. The flyer was also posted on social media websites. Ninety-two percent of the participants were aware that African Americans are most prone to pregnancy-related complications. The participants lacked knowledge when it came to identifying pre-eclampsia, cardiomyopathy, and thrombotic pulmonary embolism and interventions for the specific complications.

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