The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of how healthcare-related prejudices can negatively impact long-term mental and physical health outcomes. Healthcare-related prejudice refers to discrimination against individuals based on their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, disability, or other characteristics that are unrelated to their medical condition. This type of prejudice can take many forms, including stereotyping, bias, discrimination, microaggressions, and even outright violence. Research has shown that patients who experience healthcare-related prejudice may be less likely to seek care when they need it, more likely to delay seeking care until their condition worsens, and less likely to follow through with treatment recommendations. These factors can lead to poorer health outcomes and increased mortality rates.
Healthcare-related prejudice can create a hostile environment for patients and providers, leading to decreased trust and communication between them.
Healthcare-related prejudice can contribute to a culture of fear and distrust in which people hesitate to share sensitive information about their health or seek help from the healthcare system altogether. As such, addressing healthcare-related prejudice is critical to improving patient care and reducing health disparities.
Healthcare-related prejudice can have profound consequences for both mental and physical health outcomes.
Studies have found that African American men are more likely to die from prostate cancer than white men due to lower access to early detection and treatment services. Women of color also face higher maternal mortality rates compared to white women, often because of racism within the healthcare system.
LGBTQ+ individuals may experience rejection or denial of care from providers who do not understand or accept their sexual orientation or gender identity. Healthcare-related prejudice can also negatively impact mental health by creating a sense of isolation, stigma, and powerlessness. Patients who experience prejudice may feel devalued, unseen, and unheard, leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. This can contribute to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Discrimination can exacerbate existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, by increasing stress levels and limiting access to quality care.
Healthcare-related prejudices can have far-reaching effects on long-term mental and physical health outcomes. By understanding these issues, we can work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system in which all patients receive the care they need without fear or judgment. This requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses structural barriers, cultural change, and education initiatives to address implicit biases among providers and other members of the healthcare team. By taking action against healthcare-related prejudices, we can improve patient safety, promote trust and communication between patients and providers, and reduce health disparities for marginalized communities.
How do healthcare-related prejudices impact long-term mental and physical health outcomes?
Healthcare-related prejudices can have significant effects on individuals' mental and physical health outcomes over time. These outcomes may include increased stress levels, anxiety disorders, depression, reduced quality of life, lowered immunity, and poorer overall wellbeing (Morgan, 2018).