Health Disparities in African American Maternal and Child Health

Abstract

Purpose – This chapter discusses health disparities among African Americans living in urban spaces within the United States.

Approach – This chapter provides an overview of health disparities in morbidity and mortality related to maternal and child health (maternal mortality rate, infant mortality, and low birth weight).

Practical implications – This chapter describes research and interventions that strive to increase our ability to understand and reduce health disparities. Eliminating health disparities not only is beneficial to these affected groups but also offers the opportunity to improve the health of the entire U.S. population.

Originality/value – This chapter adds to our understanding of the correlates of health disparities for African American women and children as well as successful interventions that have proven effective in ameliorating these disparities.

Citation

Notaro, S.R. (2012), "Health Disparities in African American Maternal and Child Health", Notaro, S.R. (Ed.) Health Disparities Among Under-served Populations: Implications for Research, Policy and Praxis (Advances in Education in Diverse Communities, Vol. 9), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 121-133. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1479-358X(2012)0000009009