In many parts of the world, people who face prejudice based on their identity are less likely to receive high-quality care from health professionals. Discrimination can result in delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and poor follow-up care, leading to worse overall health outcomes.
Studies have shown that black patients in the United States have higher rates of mortality than white patients for conditions such as heart disease and cancer due to inequalities in the quality of medical care they receive. Similarly, transgender individuals may be denied access to gender-affirming surgeries and treatments, which can lead to negative mental and physical health consequences.
Discrimination can prevent people from seeking necessary medical attention at all. People who belong to marginalized groups often experience feelings of distrust and fear when interacting with healthcare providers, causing them to avoid seeking care altogether. This can worsen existing health issues or cause new ones to develop.
Discrimination can lead to lower levels of education about health topics among marginalized populations, reducing their ability to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing.
Discrimination can also affect the way healthcare systems operate. If healthcare institutions do not provide resources and training to address cultural competency and implicit biases, it becomes difficult for providers to serve diverse patient populations effectively. Lack of diversity within the healthcare workforce can perpetuate these problems, as professionals may lack the knowledge and understanding needed to meet the needs of non-dominant communities.
Discrimination can contribute to systemic injustices within the broader society, making it harder for marginalized groups to access basic services like housing, employment, and transportation. These factors impact a person's overall health and wellbeing, creating barriers to achieving optimal health outcomes.
Discrimination in healthcare has serious consequences that go beyond simply denying access to treatment. It exacerbates preexisting health disparities and contributes to worse health outcomes across entire populations. To create truly equitable healthcare systems, we must acknowledge and actively address structural inequalities that prevent people from receiving quality medical care.
How does discrimination in healthcare worsen health outcomes?
Discrimination in healthcare can have several negative effects on health outcomes. Firstly, it may lead to a lack of access to quality medical care for marginalized groups, which can result in worse health outcomes. This is particularly true for those who face financial barriers, such as low-income individuals, people of color, and immigrants.