Factors Influencing Maternal Healthcare Experiences Among Black African Women in the United Kingdom: A Systematic Review Protocol
Irene Devine Dzirasa, Nasima Akhter, Esther Mireku, Modestus Okonkwo, Lawrence Achilles NnyanziABSTRACT
Background and Aims
Understanding the experiences of Black African women seeking and receiving maternal healthcare in the United Kingdom is crucial because cultural and ethnic backgrounds may shape health‐seeking behaviors and interactions with the healthcare system. Synthesizing existing qualitative evidence on the factors influencing maternal healthcare experiences among Black African women in the United Kingdom is important for informing high‐quality, culturally appropriate interventions and policies. This review aims to synthesize qualitative literature to explore the nature and significance of factors influencing maternal healthcare experiences among Black African women in the United Kingdom. It will identify barriers and facilitators, as well as wider determinants of maternal healthcare experiences. The review will also explore potential interventions that may improve experiences and outcomes during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Ultimately, the review will identify implications for culturally sensitive and responsive maternal health services that address the needs of Black African women in the United Kingdom.
Methods
The review will explore factors influencing maternal healthcare experiences among Black African women in the United Kingdom. Relevant studies will be identified through MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE, along with grey literature searches, using a predefined search strategy. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist will be used to appraise the methodological quality of included studies. Data from included studies will be synthesized using thematic synthesis.
Conclusion
The systematic review will support policymakers, maternal healthcare providers, and researchers in understanding Black African women's experiences of, and barriers to, maternal healthcare in the United Kingdom. It will also synthesize evidence on factors that facilitate access to and positive experiences of maternal healthcare among Black African women in the United Kingdom.
Systematic Review Registration
The review has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD420251007412).