The Impact of COVID-19 Among Black Girls: A Social-Ecological Perspective

Natasha Crooks; Wuraola Sosina; Alyssa Debra; Geri Donenberg

doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsab139

The Impact of COVID-19 Among Black Girls: A Social-Ecological Perspective

J Pediatr Psychol. 2022 Mar 5;47(3):270-278. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsab139.

Authors

Natasha Crooks¹, Wuraola Sosina², Alyssa Debra³, Geri Donenberg⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, USA.
² Clinical Psychology Department, Adler University, USA.
³ College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, USA.
⁴ Department of Medicine, Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, University of Illinois Chicago, USA.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black adolescent girls' physical, psychological, and sexual development.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 25 girls (9-18 years old) primarily across the Midwestern United States. Interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was reached. We conducted a conventional content analysis by reviewing transcripts, coding data, and developing themes.

Results: Utilizing the social-ecological model findings revealed themes related to the individual-, interpersonal-, institutional-, and community-level changes that Black girls experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions: Black adolescent girls need opportunities to discuss the changes, receive relevant resources, and have spaces to support their physical, psychological, and sexual development. Systems such as families, schools, and clinics should implement programming to facilitate discussions around the impact of COVID-19 on Black girls.

Keywords: COVID-19; health disparities and inequities; health promotion and prevention; psychosocial functioning; sexual or reproductive health.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
COVID-19*
Child
Female
Humans
Midwestern United States
Pandemics
SARS-CoV-2