Covid-19 Affecting the Mental Health of Pregnant African American Women

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused mental health stress for many Americans (Ye, B. et al. 2020).2020). Based on prior research, we know that mental health stressors do not impact all social groups equally. As we know, underrepresented women, particularly African American women face higher rates of stressors.This study considers how Covid-19 impacts the mental health of pregnant African American women. In depth interviews with 7-10 pregnant African American women living in Northeast Ohio were conducted in March and April of 2021 via Zoom. Interviews explored the kinds of stressors impacting pregnant African-American women during COVID and the social support they receive from family,friends, and employers to cope with these stressors. The study uses a stress process model approach to interpret findings (Pearlin 1981). These findings help us to understand how African American women are coping with the pandemic.