Item – Theses Canada

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OCLC number
53940552
Author
Rowe, Melissa,1945-
Title
Black woman the pillar of strength : Black African, Caribbean, Canadian women's health : their lived experiences.
Degree
M.S.W. -- Carleton University, 2001
Publisher
Ottawa : National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, [2003]
Description
2 microfiches.
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
This exploratory study is an investigation of Black African, Caribbean Canadian Women's Health Experiences in Ottawa Ontario. I have found that barriers to these eleven Black women's health is directly linked to their historical position in Canadian society, and is influenced by their race, class, gender, and socio-economic position. A number of findings have emerged from the data. First, the literature review revealed little knowledge about Black women's health in general. Second, Black women are not accessing the health care system as they should, because of systemic and societal barriers. Third, Black women's approach to health care is from a holistic perspective that is different from the Canadian medical model. The data further reveal that spirituality and faith are positive preventative ways of coping for these women. Further, immediate and extended families are essential components of Black women's health and well-being. Finally, Black women do not access the health care system mainly because of fear, and lack of trust for health professionals and the care system that treats the illness rather than the symptoms utilizing a medical model rather than more preventative approaches. A Black Feminist framework was employed to inform the study and a qualitative methodological approach was used to gather the data for this research. The significance of the investigation is to begin a dialogue among Black women about their health particularly in Ottawa. I believe that there is a need for health service providers including social workers, policy makers, educators and health agencies to acknowledge the existence of this social problem and the need for the Black community to support the women in breaking the silence about their health in all areas of their lives.
ISBN
0612669254
9780612669253