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Senior nursing student Chiamaka Anyanwu ’21 conducted research for her thesis in the nursing honors track on the risk factors of maternal mortality among African American women and interventions that have been implemented on a community level to reduce mortality rates. In the United States, the pregnancy-related mortality ratio has significantly increased, with higher rates among African American and non-Hispanic Black women.
“After the death of George Floyd, many testimonies about racial injustice within our justice and healthcare system began to surface. One testimony was by the husband of a well-respected African dancer and influencer named Nicole Thea. Her story, among others, sparked my interest in maternal mortality among Black women, specifically African American women,” says Anyanwu. “Post-graduation, I aspire to work in pediatrics and/or women's health. As a Black woman who is soon to be a part of a predominantly white profession, I have a responsibility to be an advocate for those who look like me.”
Through her research, Anyanwu identified a variety of risk factors that contribute to the risk of maternal mortality among African American and Black women, including lack of access, education, awareness, and transportation; emotional and financial stress; racism and discrimination; poor healthcare provider relationships; and diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. She also worked to identify community interventions that can be implemented to reduce maternal mortality rates.
“It is evident that maternal mortality is a multifaceted issue. With the assistance of other health care professionals and community leaders, nurses can screen patients for social determinants and health risk factors before one’s pregnancy to determine and plan interventions accordingly,” she explains. “The use of small groups for education and mobilizing prenatal care can contribute to eliminating accessibility, affordability, and transportation complications for patients. Ultimately, the implementation of community interventions that emphasize the importance of accessibility, affordability, education, and awareness can ultimately improve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality rates among African American women.”
For Anyanwu, the opportunity to do undergraduate research was the deciding factor that led her to apply to the University Honors College. “The idea of getting to research any topic that I wanted, presenting it at a conference, and the possibility of my research being published felt so surreal and instantly became one of my ultimate goals for my college career. Every semester, my ideas for my research topic changed, partly due to my anticipation for the opportunity, but mainly due to the knowledge that I acquired each semester and the issues that changed my outlook on my future aspirations in nursing. Although my research process was not ‘traditionally’ experienced due to the pandemic, I believe this opportunity was important to my growth as a student and future healthcare professional. Ultimately, it was a fulfilling experience that I would recommend to future William Paterson students,” she says, crediting her thesis advisor, Professor Jill Nocella, for her support and guidance throughout the process.
During her time at the University, Anyanwu has served in a number of campus leadership roles, including vice president of the Student Nursing Association, president of the African Student Union, peer leader, orientation leader, and student ambassador. She participated in the MentoR-MeNtee Program and the Pioneer Leadership Institute, and has contributed time to a wide range of service and civic engagement activities.
After graduation, Anyanwu plans to continue her research and her commitment to her community as a pediatric/women's health nurse. “I hope to continue this research study and possibly begin the first phases of implementing a community intervention for this vulnerable population. I also plan to join a few organizations to gain more experience, knowledge, and networks in these areas.”
Anyanwu is confident that the University has prepared her to achieve her goals in the future. “I have held multiple positions on campus, collaborated with different people, and have participated in community events that have prepared me for my future in healthcare. Nursing is medical but largely personal; it is about people. William Paterson University was an environment where I could be the change that I wanted to see in the world.”
