Background and objectives: Women, especially women of color, are a vulnerable population in eastern North Carolina. This study investigated the health care experiences of Southern, rural, African American adolescent women.
Methods: Four focus groups were conducted in three counties in eastern North Carolina in the spring of 2000. A total of 44 teen women ages 16-19 participated; 38 were African American.
Results: Participants emphasized the following themes: (1) seeking help for sexual health, (2) obtaining health information from sources other than the doctor, (3) gender and race preferences, (4) communication with physicians, and (5) good and bad doctors' visits.
Conclusions: To provide quality care to African American teenage women, it is critical to listen and understand their experiences. Most importantly, medical educators must be cognizant of cultural issues and how they can impede as well as enhance patient care. This study supports the need to educate students, residents, and practicing physicians on how to provide culturally sensitive and competent care.