Writing Blackgirls' and Women's Health Science: Implications for Research and Praxis

Black girls and women's health (BGWH) science is transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary, providing a unique lens to address the health of Black girls and women. Contributors offer pathways and inform methodologies for research and praxis to create change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Black girls' and women's health (BGWH) science is a transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary field that offers a unique lens to understanding the health of these populations. The contributors to this edited collection bring their ontological and epistemological knowledge to the table, providing pathways and methodologies for research and praxis that address BGWH. Each author offers a way to better understand how their framing and writing can create change in the health of Black girls and women.

One of the key challenges facing BGWH science is the lack of diversity in the research population. Many studies have been conducted on white women, which can lead to biased results and limited understanding of the unique health needs of Black girls and women. To address this issue, the contributors to this collection emphasize the importance of including diverse populations in research studies. They provide examples of how this can be done, such as using community-based participatory research methods and partnering with community organizations.

Another challenge facing BGWH science is the lack of funding. Many research studies are funded by government agencies and private foundations, but these funds are often limited and focused on specific areas of research. This can limit the ability of researchers to conduct comprehensive studies that address the full range of BGWH issues. The contributors to this collection argue that more funding is needed to support research that addresses BGWH, and they provide examples of how this can be done, such as through government grants and private donations.

Despite these challenges, BGWH science has made significant progress in recent years. Researchers have identified a number of risk factors that contribute to the health of Black girls and women, including poverty, discrimination, and violence. They have also developed interventions that can address these risk factors, such as education programs, mental health services, and reproductive health services.

One of the most significant findings of BGWH science is the impact of racism on the health of Black girls and women. Racism can lead to a range of health problems, including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Researchers have found that racism can be perpetuated by a number of factors, including the media, education, and healthcare. They have also developed interventions that can address racism, such as anti-racism training and community-based interventions.

Another important finding of BGWH science is the impact of gender inequality on the health of Black girls and women. Gender inequality can lead to a range of health problems, including reproductive health problems, sexual violence, and mental health problems. Researchers have found that gender inequality can be perpetuated by a number of factors, including the media, education, and healthcare. They have also developed interventions that can address gender inequality, such as gender-based violence prevention programs and gender-equitable policies.

In addition to these findings, BGWH science has also made significant contributions to the field of public health. Researchers have developed interventions that can address a range of public health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. They have also developed interventions that can address the social determinants of health, such as poverty and discrimination.

Despite these contributions, BGWH science faces several challenges. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of recognition and support from the broader public. Many people do not understand the unique health needs of Black girls and women, and they may not be aware of the interventions that can address these needs. This can lead to a lack of funding and support for research studies.

To address this challenge, the contributors to this collection argue that it is important to engage with the broader public. They provide examples of how this can be done, such as through public education campaigns and community-based interventions. They also argue that it is important to work with policymakers to develop policies that address BGWH issues.

Another challenge facing BGWH science is the lack of diversity in the research workforce. Many researchers are white, and this can lead to biased results and limited understanding of the unique health needs of Black girls and women. To address this issue, the contributors to this collection argue that it is important to increase the diversity of the research workforce. They provide examples of how this can be done, such as through training programs and mentorship programs.

In conclusion, BGWH science is a transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary field that offers a unique lens to understanding the health of Black girls and women. The contributors to this edited collection bring their ontological and epistemological knowledge to the table, providing pathways and methodologies for research and praxis that address BGWH. Despite several challenges, BGWH science has made significant progress in recent years, and it is important to continue to support this field. By engaging with the broader public, working with policymakers, and increasing the diversity of the research workforce, we can create a more equitable and healthy world for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666911749