Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research

Project Overview

The goal of this research study is to conduct focus groups and interviews to understand women’s personal experiences and perspectives on contraceptive use and access.

www.owneverypiece.com 

Although little literature exists on the use of storytelling as a strategy to understand women’s experiences, it is indicated that storytelling can be used as a way for individuals to overcome stigma, regain their self-identity, become better advocates and promote a supportive network within their communities. Literature also suggests that open and repeated communication with peers allows for them to open up and increase comfortability in disclosing personal information, more so than opening up to clinicians.

Reproductive health information, access, costs and bias are all critical issues that contribute to reproductive injustices globally. Storytelling provides a space for women to discuss barriers and both their positive and negative experiences about such topics. Additionally, it allows interviewers and facilitators to view and connect with the emotions of the women as they open up and express personal details about themselves and these experiences.

This study seeks to use storytelling as a research tool to engage women and provide a space for them to disclose intimate details surrounding their reproductive health experiences. Additionally, these narratives will allow for a deeper understanding, identify areas of improvement and determine changes moving forward for reproductive healthcare services and its effect on the patient experience.

The proposed virtual focus group discussions and online interviews are components of the Own Every Piece campaign intended to improve access to contraception care among women in Houston, TX. Elements of the virtual focus group discussions and interviews will help with aspects of the We Can Do More project to assess the effectiveness of contraception access and the method and dissemination of information to provide a better understanding for community and clinic partners. The virtual focus groups and interviews will provide qualitative data on women’s experiences on reproductive health.

Objectives:

1. To understand the personal experiences of women in their reproductive health journey
2. To identify gaps or missing information on contraception accessibility
3. To identify biases certain groups of women faced when receiving contraception care
4. To understand women’s experiences in birth control bias as it relates to discrimination

Funding: Rockwell Fund and Episcopal Health