Thesis Title: Miles from Maternity: A Qualitative Study of Black Women's Experiences in Rural South Georgia

Student Concentration: Health Promotion & Behavior

Thesis Chair: Dr. Natasha Malmin

Thesis Abstract: Access to obstetric care is critical for improving maternal and infant health outcomes. However, disparities in access persist between urban and rural communities in the United States. These disparities are especially pronounced in rural Georgia, where limited healthcare infrastructure and geographic isolation restrict access to care. Black women in Georgia experience disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality, yet their experiences with obstetric care in rural settings remain underexplored.

Using the Socioecological Model (SEM), this study aims to explore the obstetric care experiences of Black women living in rural South Georgia. Using purposive and convenience sampling, 8 Black women residing in the South Health District completed semi-structured interviews between November and December 2025. Qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using Dedoose software.

 Participants identified several major barriers to care, including transportation and limited local availability of obstetric care services. Informal support systems, including family, peers, and faith-based networks, were described as facilitators to navigating care. Findings indicate that more community based and system-level interventions are needed to improve access to maternity care for Black women in rural South Georgia. Expanded local service availability, improved affordability of care, and strengthened patient/provider communication can promote equitable maternal health outcomes for Black women in rural communities.