Department of Biological Sciences

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Author: search.filters.author.Olorunsaiye, Comfort ZHas files: No

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    COVID-19 Vaccine Literacy Among Black Pregnant and Postpartum Women in the USA
    (Springer Science+Business Media, 2025-04-29) Olorunsaiye, Comfort Z
    Background Black pregnant and postpartum women in the USA are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic yet have low vaccination coverage rates. Low levels of vaccine literacy contribute vaccine hesitancy and low vaccination rates, especially in racialized populations that face multiple dimensions of systemic racism and inequalities in access to quality health information and services. Guided by the Public Health Critical Race Praxis, we examined COVID-19 vaccine literacy and information sources among Black pregnant and postpartum women. Methods We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 22 Black pregnant and postpartum women living in Greater Philadelphia from November 2022 to May 2023. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using NVivo version 14. Results Participants' mean age was 33.5 years; 17 had a college or graduate degree. Six women had Medicaid coverage during pregnancy; eight women received at least one form of public assistance during the pandemic. Four themes were identified: (1) perceptions of vaccine safety and efficacy, (2) vaccination information sources, (3) drivers of mistrust in vaccine information and hesitancy, and (4) participants' recommendation for improving COVID-19 vaccine literacy. Conclusion Efforts to address inequities in COVID-19 outcomes must include the provision of accurate health information addressing the specific concerns of marginalized populations through trusted sources. Due to the importance of health care providers as trusted sources of COVID-19 and vaccine information, there is a need for such information provision to take an empathetic and person-centered approach that focuses on the specific concerns of Black pregnant and postpartum persons.
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    Mapping the evidence on factors influencing postpartum contraception among sub-Saharan African immigrant and refugee women in the United States: a scoping review
    (BioMed Central, 2026-03-04) Olorunsaiye, Comfort Z
    BACKGROUND: The postpartum period is a critical window for addressing women's contraceptive needs. Sub-Saharan African immigrant and refugee women living in the United State face unique barriers to postpartum contraception due to cultural norms, religious beliefs, migration-related challenges, and systemic inequalities, yet there is limited evidence on their postpartum contraceptive preferences and use. This scoping review mapped the existing literature on postpartum contraception among this population and identified key factors influencing uptake. METHODS: Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of studies published in English from January 2000-June 2024. Eligible studies focused on sub-Saharan African immigrant and refugee women aged 15-49 living in the US, and examined postpartum contraception, including predisposing factors, facilitators, and barriers. A systematic search of five databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsychInfo, CINAHL, EMBASE, Global Health Database) identified 410 studies; 10 studies were included. Data were coded and synthesized thematically using the PEN-3 Model as an analytic framework; findings were interpreted through an intersectionality lens. RESULTS: Postpartum contraceptive behaviors were shaped by predisposing factors, facilitators, and barriers. Cultural and religious norms favored natural methods like lactational amenorrhea, due to religious support for birth spacing but not limiting. Migration experiences were influential barriers, with challenges including language barriers, limited health literacy, and loss of insurance, postpartum. Facilitators were inclusive Medicaid policies, long-acting methods availability, and culturally sensitive counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Culturally responsive, equity-focused policies are essential to meet the postpartum contraceptive needs of sub-Saharan African immigrant and refugee women. Expanding Medicaid coverage, training providers in cultural competency, and engaging community leaders can improve access and trust.