Report

“How am I going to become her friend?” WIC Breastfeeding peer counselors and cultural competence with African-American women: A qualitative secondary analysis

By Gross T, Powell R, Barr A, Williams T, Dang W

This qualitative study explored Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) peer counselors’ (PCs) cultural competence in their relationships with African American (AA) clients. A secondary analysis of three focus groups was conducted with PCs (N=23) from a Southeastern state in the United States. Using thematic analysis, data from transcripts and field notes were analyzed relating to cultural competence. Four themes emerged: 1) Appreciation of diversity, 2) Awareness of cultural differences, 3) Dedication to authenticity, 4) Understanding that being a peer goes beyond race. Appreciating diversity and being authentic were important in establishing rapport and maintaining culturally competent peer relationships. PCs also acknowledged that awareness of cultural differences was important when first developing relationships with AA women. However, being a peer was more important than race as the relationship matured. Further cultural competence education and training may be beneficial for WIC PCs who support AA families with breastfeeding.

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Date Added
August 6, 2020

Citation
Gross T, Powell R, Barr A, Williams T, Dang W (2019) “How am I going to become her friend?” WIC Breastfeeding peer counselors and cultural competence with African-American women: A qualitative secondary analysis. Available online: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18NRAySmBCsFD1gSkN9jufHGrrPevY8ml/view