Mistrust among Minorities and the Trustworthiness of Medicine
Author Information
Author(s): Wynia Matthew K, Gamble Vanessa Northington
Primary Institution: American Medical Association
Hypothesis
Are racial and ethnic minorities less willing to participate in health research?
Conclusion
Many minorities feel unwelcome and disrespected in the health-care system, which contributes to their mistrust.
Supporting Evidence
- Many minorities don't feel welcome and respected within the health-care system.
- Those who do come in have already crossed a threshold of trust with their individual doctor.
- Half of the studies reviewed had fewer than 50 minority patients asked to enroll.
Takeaway
Some people from different races don't trust doctors because of past bad experiences, so we need to make sure doctors are trustworthy instead of just asking them to trust more.
Potential Biases
The authors may have overlooked the historical context of mistrust among minorities in health research.
Limitations
The studies reviewed were extremely heterogeneous, making it difficult to draw reliable conclusions.
Participant Demographics
The article discusses racial and ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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