Perceived discrimination in health care and use of preventive health services.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between perceived discrimination and preventive health care utilization.


METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis using the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System "Reactions to Race" module (N = 28,839).


METHODS
Outcomes were self-reported utilization of seven preventive health services. Predictors included perceived negative and positive racial discrimination (vs. none) while seeking health care in the past year. Multivariable models adjusted for additional patient characteristics.


RESULTS
In unadjusted models, negative discrimination was significantly associated with less utilization of mammogram, pap test, PSA test, blood stool test, and sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy (ORs = 0.53-0.73, p < .05), but not flu or pneumococcal vaccines (ORs = 0.76 and 0.84). Positive discrimination was significantly associated with more utilization of all services (ORs = 1.29-1.58, p < .05) except pap test (OR = 0.94). In adjusted models, neither negative nor positive discrimination was predictive of utilization, except for PSA test (positive discrimination OR = 1.33, p < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Perceived racial discrimination in health care does not independently predict preventive health care utilization.
Hausmann
Leslie R M
LR
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, USA. leslie.hausmann@gmail.com
Jeong
Kwonho
K
Bost
James E
JE
Ibrahim
Said A
SA
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010465:Perception; D011287:Prejudice; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors