Nurs Outlook. 2025 Jul 1;73(5):102467. doi: 10.1016/j.outlook.2025.102467. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Non-Hispanic Black pregnant individuals utilize up to 50% less labor epidural analgesia compared to non-Hispanic White individuals.
PURPOSE: This Outlook and Perspectives aims to evaluate the factors contributing to racial differences in the utilization of labor epidural analgesia.
METHODS: Literature on scientific evidence regarding racial disparities in maternal outcomes and labor pain management was reviewed and summarized.
FINDINGS: We identified that trust issues with healthcare and providers, ineffective patient-provider communication, and perceived mistreatment and discrimination contribute to these disparities in labor pain management.
DISCUSSION: Further research is needed to develop strategies to enhance birthing experiences for Black individuals, including improving patient-provider communication and providing accurate, culturally sensitive patient education on labor pain management.
PMID:40602011 | DOI:10.1016/j.outlook.2025.102467
