191 - Let’s Talk About Race(ism): A Qualitative Analysis of Successful Strategies for Talking to Kids About Race and Racism

Poster Number: 191
Publication Number: 191.413

Shawnese G. Clark, Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine, Arlington, VA, United States; Sarah B. Welch, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Alyssa Cohen, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Aleha M. Bate, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Nia J. Heard-Garris, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago/Northwestern University, CHICAGO, IL, United States

Background: News of multiple deaths of Black individuals by police, including Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, sparked national attention over the past two years and with it an increased focus on racial injustice in the United States. In addition to police killings, COVID-19 highlighted the inequities among racially minoritized groups, witnessed by both adults and youth. In addition to harms caused by experiencing direct racism, youth may have experienced these events as vicarious forms of racism. Vicarious racism is shown to negatively impact emotional, mental and/or physical health. Pediatric providers must be equipped to discuss race and racism with their patients and families to mitigate adverse health outcomes. However, there is a dearth of scholarship on successful conversations about race and racism that may help to guide providers.

Objective: We aimed to qualitatively examine the content of self-reported successful conversations from child health and racial equity experts, based on their experiences talking to youth and families.

Design/Methods: As a part of a larger study, we invited child health and racial equity experts, parents, and teens to participate in a modified Delphi study. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their past conversations with children and families about race and racism. We used an inductive approach to analyze data and identify key themes and subthemes among 2 independent coders.  

Results: Of 32 experts invited, 27 answered the question regarding their conversations on race and racism. Participants self-identified as Black, White, Asian and Latinx. Pediatricians, psychologists, educators, and public health professionals were some of the represented fields, having an average of 11-15 years of experience. Most experts stated that the conversations went well, with families voicing appreciation for bringing up the topic. Respondents cited listening and being deeply engaged as successful approaches, in addition to, being open, asking questions about what families and children know about the topic, and ensuring opportunity for families to ask follow up questions. Themes, subthemes, and representative quotes can be found in Table 1.Conclusion(s): This study provides insight into successful ways in which child health and racial equity experts have discussed race and racism. As current events make race and racism more salient, it is important to continuously explore ways to effectively talk to children about this topic. The strategies provided offer actionable guidance for pediatric practitioners to use when approaching these conversations with their patients and families.
Themes, Subthemes and Representative Quotes (Page 1)
Themes, Subthemes and Representative Quotes (Page 2)