Perceptions of Health Among Black Women in Emerging Adulthood: Alignment With a Health at Every Size Perspective

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the health perceptions of Black women in emerging adulthood and the degree to which perceptions align with core Health at Every Size (HAES) principles. DesignSemistructured interviews with Black women in emerging adulthood. Data were collected between June and July 2018 as part of a larger, mixed-methods study. SettingSouthern California. ParticipantsForty-one Black women aged 18–24 years were recruited via a combination of convenience and respondent-drive sampling. Phenomenon of InterestHealth perceptions of young Black women and alignment with core HAES principles. AnalysisData were analyzed using principles of inductive thematic analysis. Following analysis, data were further interpreted within the HAES framework. ResultsParticipants’ insights resulted in 3 main themes: (1) health is multidimensional, (2) good health means taking care of yourself, and (3) systemic and environmental disparities affect Black women's health. These themes reflect 3 HAES principles of health enhancement, weight inclusivity, and eating for well-being. Conclusions and ImplicationsFindings provide preliminary support for aligning HAES principles and perceptions and health for Black women in emerging adulthood. Prioritizing holistic well-being, attention to individualized health needs and access to needed information and resources in efforts to improve health outcomes among members of this demographic may be promising.