Cultural Adaptation of the Mothers and Babies Online Course for Black Mothers with Preterm Infants: A Delphi Study

Kobi V. Ajayi (), Robin Page, Kelly Wilson, Carly McCord and Whitney Garney
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Kobi V. Ajayi: Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Robin Page: Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Kelly Wilson: Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Carly McCord: Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
Whitney Garney: Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-18

Abstract: With persistent racial inequities, cultural adaptations of health programs can promote equitable maternal mental health. Despite the intersecting identities of Black mothers with preterm birth combined with racial discrimination, previous mental health programs in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are void of the sociocultural context that perpetuates racially motivated care. This study uses a two-round Delphi process to gather knowledge on the cultural appropriateness and content validity of the adapted Mothers and Babies Online Course, a United States Prevention Service Task Force-recommended intervention for managing mental health symptoms in pregnant and new mothers for Black mothers with preterm birth. The Black feminist theory and cultural adaptation strategies were used to conceptualize the adaptation process. Opinions were solicited from Black mothers and professionals based on predetermined criteria. Eleven participants, comprising eight mothers and three professionals, participated in Round One. Of these, only one professional did not participate in Round Two, totaling 10 participants who participated in Round Two. The participants rated the adapted program—eMB 4 Blackmamas, positively, and four themes emerged, substantiating the importance of culturally responsive mental health. The themes also offered additional feedback related to improving the program delivery. Including diverse stakeholders in mental health research offers unique and balanced insights into designing culturally appropriate programs to promote and protect Black maternal mental health in the NICU.

Keywords: neonatal intensive care unit; mothers; Black or African American; premature birth; cultural competency; health equity; Delphi technique; consensus development; mental health; maternal health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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