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Racial disparities in gynecological health have persisted over time. Interestingly, there is a dearth of research that centers Black women’s experiences with gynecologists and even less research that uses Black feminist theory and methods. We use semi-structured interviews ( N = 39) to understand the sexual health care related experiences of Black women at a Predominately White Institution (PWI) and a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). We found that the following themes captured Black women’s experiences: (1) Feeling Ignored, (2) Having Their Intelligence Insulted, (3) Receiving Proper Help and Education, (4) Benefits of Concordance across Race and Sex Categories, (5) Discomfort Due to Sexual Taboos, (6) Perceived Medical Racism, (7) Impact of other Intersectional Identities, and (8) No Impact. Implications for enhancing experiences with sexual health care appointments and improving patient provider relationships are discussed.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread quickly across the nation with a disproportionate impact on Black Americans. Many college-aged students receive their COVID-19-related information through social media and television even though research suggests that social media sources are more likely to be incorrect. Some students report trusting these sources over government sources such as the CDC and WHO. The purpose of this study was to understand Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students' COVID-19 knowledge, sources of information, and planned precautions. There were 21 in-depth interviews conducted with students attending a large southern HBCU during Spring 2020. Themes regarding knowledge included the following: it is a flu-like condition, it has international roots, there is inaccurate and changing information, and it is a pandemic. Themes regarding sources included: the news, US government and related officials, social media, interactions with family, and other social interactions. Themes regarding severity included the following: statistics, a distrust for hospital reporting, a belief that COVID-19 deaths were conflated with baseline health, peer influence, and familial influence. Themes regarding precautions included the following: proper mask use, hand washing/ sanitizing, avoiding large crowds/small crowds only, physical distancing, COVID-19 testing/symptom monitoring, and COVID-19 vaccination.

This study was created to uncover the social determinants of Black American women’s success in health promotion programs. We used the Superwoman Schema to understand the complexities of Black womanhood and uncover best practices in the promotion of their health. The sample consisted of women ages 18–25 who attend a large southern HBCU. We collected data using qualitative focus groups. Participants reported the greatest health-related concerns Black American women facing are mental health, obesity, and relationships with Black men. When it comes to health promotion programs, respondents reported a desire for classes that are fun, interactive, informative, educational, and include group interaction, accessible, and incentivize participation. Uncovering the social determinants of Black American women’s health and program success is central in decreasing extant health disparities. Future health scholars are urged to incorporate Black feminist theory and methods into their work to create health promotion interventions tailored for Black women.

COVID-19 spread across the nation with Black Americans experiencing twice of the prevalence of deaths than White Americans. Black American college students are facing a unique set of biopsychosocial costs including less retention and poorer mental health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine how Historically Black College or University (HBCU) students contextualize COVID-19. Interviews were conducted with 19 participants and lasted 40-60 minutes. They discussed topics including: their COVID-19 knowledge, precautionary measures, and barriers and promoters of school success were covered. Data were coded through semi-open coding and discussed among the research team. Responses were summarized by eight themes: emotional responses, colorblind rhetoric, lack of healthcare, essential work, distrust for the medical field, barriers to precautions like supply shortages and environmental factors, and poor baseline health. These findings may be used to develop interventions that moderate the impact of COVID-19 and future pandemics on mental health.

Little is known about Black college women’s openness to participating in sexual health care research. Guided by literature on Black feminism, the current study involved qualitative interviews with 39 Black Women (aged 19–25, mean age 20.7) from one historically Black university and one predominantly white university who answered questions about participating in research on the sexual health of Black women. Results from our thematic analysis found that participants were willing to participate in research when they were recruited by trusted community members, particularly Black female researchers. The women were willing to participate because they saw the value in having Black women’s perspectives on sexual health research and improving Black women’s lives. We found that participants believed that non-Black women researchers should receive training to increase understanding of the issues facing Black women and create safe and judgment-free spaces to engage Black Women in sexual health research. Participants wanted non-Black female and all male researchers to demonstrate a genuine interest in their lives as Black women. The findings highlight the importance of listening to the perspectives of participants and their experiences with sexual health care providers.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe women's experiences of hysterectomy and to identify their fears, concerns, and met as well as unmet health care needs. Design: Narrative data of women's hysterectomy experiences were collected via a written survey. Setting: Data were collected from women living in southeastern Wisconsin. Participants: Participants were 102 women who had undergone hysterectomy within the previous 2 years. The mean age of the women was 43 and mean time since hysterectomy was 13 months. Eighty percent of the women had undergone both hysterectomy and oophorectomy, and 78% were taking hormone replacement therapy. Main Outcome Measures: A questionnaire of women's hysterectomy needs and a demographic questionnaire were used to collect data via mail. The data from three open-ended questions were content analyzed. Results: Seven themes about women's experiences of hysterectomy were identified: (a) positive aspects, (b) hormone replacement therapy, (c) insufficient information, (d) changes in sexual feelings and functioning, (e) emotional support, (f) psychologic sequelae, and (g) feelings of loss. Conclusions: Women wanted treatment choices, a part in decision-making, accurate and useful information at an appropriate time, provider support, and access to professional and lay support systems. The essentials for hysterectomy care are outlined and include the characteristics of care that women desire, the informational content that women want, health care systems that support patient satisfaction, and the outcomes women want. JOGNN, 29, 33–42; 2000.