Rural Hassles and Coping Strategies among Pregnant and Parenting African American Women

Maternal stress has been identified as a significant factor in increased risk for prematurity and low birth weight among African American women in general. Further, there exists very little literature on stressors experienced by poor rural women or the strengths inherent in these individuals, their families, and communities. Therefore, this qualitative study sought to (a) examine stressors for African American women who are pregnant and parenting young children, (b) ascertain strengths identified by participants, and (c) discuss formal and informal resources present in rural communities. Implications for enhancing social networks and reducing barriers to service delivery for rural communities are discussed.