Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Department

Public Policy and Administration

Committee Chairperson

Michelle Wade, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Angela Kline, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Erin Knight, Ph.D.

Abstract

Black women experience higher rates of adverse birth outcomes, including infant mortality. There is a gap in the literature on multilevel strategies to achieve infant health equity and engage Black women. This study is unique in that no others have looked at the views of Oklahoma Black women to inform and address infant health equity strategies and utilize these views to provide context to existing infant mortality data. The study research questions are: 1) What views on infant health equity and infant mortality are held by Black women in Oklahoma? 2) What differences exist between Black and White mothers in Oklahoma who have experienced infant mortality? 3) To what extent do factors contributing to infant mortality rates reflect Black mothers’ perceptions of infant health equity in Oklahoma? Using a qualitatively driven mixed methods design, 10 interviews were conducted with Black Oklahoma mothers, and secondary data were examined. Results showed that Black mothers consider individual, social, and structural issues. Additionally, there were significant differences between Black and White mothers in experiencing infant mortality, even with similar risk factors and maternal characteristics, and the leading causes of infant mortality in Oklahoma do not primarily reflect Black mothers' perceptions of what is needed to achieve infant health equity. Listening to Black Oklahoma mothers and examining existing secondary data provides insights into strategies for decreasing Black infant mortality and achieving infant health equity. These approaches may be most effective when using the social ecological model as a plan of action while embracing critical race theory tenets.

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