Life’s Course Program: Piloting a community-based intervention to reduce stress and improve coping in women of childbearing age
LaRae Brown, Lori Bilello, Alanna Kellam, Fern WebbIntroduction
Maternal and infant health inequities in the United States persist, with Black women disproportionately experiencing chronic stress that adversely affects reproductive outcomes. The Life’s Course Program was developed to educate and empower women of childbearing age by addressing chronic stress and promoting resiliency-focused coping strategies.
Methods
From September 2023 to November 2024, 36 community forums were held in collaboration with local organizations. Attendees completed pre and post forum surveys assessing demographics, health status, stress levels, stressors, and coping abilities. Surveys also measured changes in knowledge and intent to use coping strategies after the forum. Surveys were anonymous and voluntary. Analyses focused on female participants under age 50 stratified by race (Black and White) and age cohort (20-29; 30-39; 40-49).
Results
Among 372 attendees, 225 completed pre forum and 196 completed post forum surveys; 168 respondents self-identified as Black women while 92 respondents self-identified as White women of childbearing age. Access to food was reported more frequently as stressors by Black women. Post forum responses provided an insight on their coping knowledge, with the largest increase observed in agreement that “healthy relationships can help cope with stress” (83% to 97%, p = .03) observed among White women. Age- and race- stratified analyses indicated differences in anticipated coping strategy use where Black women ages 20–29 most often reported intent to use therapy and breathing techniques whereas White women ages 30–49 more frequently identified meditation/mindfulness and exercise. Black women, across all ages, reported exercise/movement as a coping strategy at higher percentages than White women.
Conclusion
A community based educational intervention is the first step in addressing women’s perceived stress management knowledge and strengthening awareness of coping resources. Understanding stressors and preferred coping strategies among women—particularly women of color—can guide future community efforts aimed at mitigating stress and promoting maternal health equity.