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May 29, 2024 Story by: Editor
Black women, constituting one in seven women in the United States, play indispensable roles in our communities and workforce. Despite their substantial contributions, they continue to confront significant levels of unfair treatment and systemic discrimination, often grappling with poverty and low-wage jobs. The intersectionality of their identity compounds their challenges, as they bear the brunt of both racial and gender discrimination. KFF’s 2023 Racism, Discrimination, and Health Survey underscores these issues, shedding light on the pervasive racism and discrimination encountered by Black women within the healthcare system.
According to the survey, a majority (54%) of Black women report experiencing at least one form of discrimination within the past year, ranging from receiving subpar service at establishments to facing unfair treatment in healthcare settings.
Beyond everyday discrimination, Black women also report disproportionate levels of mistreatment within healthcare facilities. Approximately one in five (21%) Black women disclose being unfairly treated due to their racial or ethnic background by healthcare providers or staff, with a similar proportion (22%) stating they were denied pain medication they required during pregnancy or childbirth within the last decade. Such experiences potentially contribute to enduring health disparities among Black women, notably in maternal health.
Here are five critical insights from the survey regarding Black women’s healthcare experiences:
1. Despite generally positive interactions, Black women are more likely than other demographics to report unfair treatment from healthcare providers based on race and ethnicity, often feeling the need to anticipate insults or meticulously manage their appearance to receive fair treatment during medical visits.
2. Reports of unfair treatment persist across income brackets among Black women, particularly among younger individuals and those with darker skin tones. Younger Black women and those with darker complexions are more prone to experiencing mistreatment from healthcare providers.
3. Vigilant behaviors, such as preparing for potential insults or being conscious of appearance, are more prevalent among younger Black women and those with darker skin tones, potentially stemming from experiences of discrimination. These behaviors, while protective, are associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes.
4. Negative encounters with healthcare providers have tangible repercussions on Black women’s health-seeking behaviors, with a significant proportion reporting worsened health, reduced likelihood of seeking care, or switching providers following such experiences.
5. Black women who receive care from racially concordant providers report more positive interactions, emphasizing the importance of diversity in the healthcare workforce and the need for culturally competent care.
These findings underscore the imperative of addressing systemic racism and discrimination within healthcare systems and advocating for inclusive practices that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity. Source: KFF
