"We're Not Taken Seriously": Describing the Experiences of Perceived Discrimination in Medical Settings for Black Women

Abstract

Objectives: Cervical cancer disparities persist for Black women despite targeted efforts. Reasons for this vary; one potential factor affecting screening and prevention is perceived discrimination in medical settings. The purpose of this study was to describe experiences of perceived discrimination in medical settings for Black women and to explore the impact on cervical cancer screening and prevention.

Methods: This paper presents mixed methods results using the Discrimination in Medical Settings (DMS) scale and qualitative interviews to understand the medical experiences of Black women. We administered the DMS scale to 48 Black women and interviewed five about their experiences engaging in the healthcare system.

Results: High levels of perceived discrimination were experienced by our sample, with the majority of women having experienced discrimination in the medical setting. Qualitative data contextualized these results, including the impact on the patient-provider relationship and on the development of medical mistrust. Most women reported they had been screened within the last 3 years (75%) and had seen a doctor within the past year (89.6%).

Conclusions: Black women are engaging in healthcare while experiencing perceived discrimination in medical settings. Future interventions should address the poor quality of medical encounters that Black women experience.

Keywords: African-American women; Black women; Cervical cancer; Perceived discrimination; Screening and prevention.