Abstract

Mistrust of the healthcare system is increased among the Black population compared to other race/ethnicity groups. Medical mistrust can lead to intensified health inequities and negative health outcomes among this population. Currently, there is limited research that explores ways to address medical mistrust, especially among the Black population. This study investigated medical mistrust to find ways to improve the quality of life amongst the Black population. Twenty-one participants in this study completed a Group Based Medical Mistrust Survey and five of those participants participated in a semi-structured interview. Descriptive and correlation analyses were conducted. The GBMMS was separated into three subscales: Factor 1) Suspicion, Factor 2) Group disparities in healthcare, and Factor 3) lack of support from healthcare providers. The mean score for the GBMMS was 3.41 (SD=0.74). Significant correlations were found between Factor 1 and income (r=-.459, p=.048). Results from the in-depth interview indicated, five primary themes were extracted from the interviews including 1) Historical references to racism in the healthcare system, 2) Racial discrimination common in a doctor's office, 3) Assumptions made about health issues amongst Black patients, 4) Not seeking medical attention when needed, and 5) Utilization of primarily Black doctors. Overall, this study found that medical mistrust in the Black population is multifactorial and offers insight on how to improve relationships between the Black population and the healthcare system.

Thesis Completion

2023

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Jeune, Shante

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Health Sciences

Degree Program

Health Sciences (pre-clinical)

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-15-2023

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