Survey: People of color expect to be treated poorly in health care settings

Many people of color in the U.S. believe they need to modify their mindset and their looks to avoid potential mistreatment during health care visits, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation survey. The nationally representative survey of 6,000 people finds 60% of Black adults, 52% of American Indian and Alaska native adults, 51% of Hispanic adults and 42% of Asian adults say they prepare for possible insults from providers or staff and/or believe they need to be careful about their appearance to be treated fairly during health care visits. Their concern that they will be mistreated likely is due to experience, according to the survey. The survey also documents the association of racism and discrimination with decreased health and well-being, including increased levels of feeling anxious, lonely or depressed. (KFF news release, 12/5/23)