Examining the Intricacies of Healthcare and Individuals of Color

By: Alejandro Jackson

“In 2020, suicide was the third leading cause of death, respectively, for blacks or African Americans, ages 15 to 24" (Mental and Behavioral Health - African Americans, 2023). Throughout many marginalized communities, views on the field of medicine and topics on health are pretty clearly taboo after decades of being mistreated and uncared for by medical professionals. Doctors and researchers have overlooked, misdiagnosed, mistreated, and experimented on the health issues of people of color. Look no further than the stories of Lucy, Anarcha, and Betsey. Furthermore, structural racism in the form of practices such as redlining has eliminated marginalized communities' access to quality infrastructure—resources like public transport and high-speed internet—consequently preventing them from attaining the medical help they need to begin with. On top of all of this, there is the issue of differences in culture and language that make doctor-patient relationships all the more difficult. In an America more diverse than ever before, it is important to acknowledge the numerous obstacles that individuals of color often face when seeking healthcare. From cultural and language barriers to historical traumas, numerous factors contribute to the complexities of their relationship with healthcare. 

One significant hurdle that individuals from minority communities encounter is the presence of cultural and language barriers within healthcare settings. These barriers can impede effective communication between patients and healthcare providers, leading to misunderstandings that may impact the quality of care. For instance, language barriers can create difficulties in accurately conveying symptoms and comprehending medical instructions, further exacerbating disparities in healthcare outcomes. In the review, Implications of Language Barriers for Healthcare: A Systematic Review, it states, “Other studies found that among patients who did not speak the local language, 49% had trouble understanding a medical situation, 34.7% were confused about how to use medication, 41.8% had trouble understanding a label on medication, 15.8% had a bad reaction to medication due to a problem understanding their healthcare provider’s instructions,20 66.7% faced a barrier when accessing healthcare, and 20% did not seek healthcare services if these were not readily available for fear of not understanding their healthcare provider” (Hilal Al Shamsi et al., 2020).

Additionally, a community's cultural beliefs and practices can influence decision-making related to health, which may be overlooked if not thoroughly understood by medical professionals. These can range from understanding the background behind specific diets to working with patients' culturally rooted feelings toward medicine.

Beyond cultural and language considerations, individuals of color often face barriers when it comes to accessing healthcare services. Transportation challenges can pose significant obstacles, particularly in areas with limited public transportation options. In many redlined neighborhoods, residents must travel long distances to reach the nearest public transportation hubs, such as bus stops or metro stations. Moreover, disparities in internet access can hinder individuals from scheduling appointments, accessing telemedicine services, or obtaining vital health information online. These disparities in high-speed internet access became grossly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marginalized communities—who, through individual and institutional racism, statistically are more likely than other communities to have health issues—were desperately lacking in the infrastructure required for telemedicine appointments. These access barriers contribute to inequalities in healthcare utilization and preventive care, ultimately impacting overall health outcomes within these communities.

The history of medical mistreatment and exploitation, such as the infamous Tuskegee experiments, has left a lasting impact on the trust and confidence that individuals of color have in the healthcare system. According to a paper written by Marcella Alsan & Marianne Wanamaker, Tuskegee and the Health of Black Men, 

“Our estimates imply that the Tuskegee Study disclosure contributed to widening health disparities between 1970 and 1980, accounting for approximately 35% of the 1980 life expectancy gap between black and white men and 25% of the gap between black men and women.”

These past traumas have engendered deep-seated skepticism and apprehension, influencing healthcare-seeking behaviors and attitudes toward medical professionals. Recognizing and acknowledging these historical injustices creates a safer healthcare environment. Taking steps to undo implicit biases, prevent past history, and assuage fears is necessary to bring marginalized communities the care they deserve.

To tackle these challenges, concerted efforts are required to repair the maladies in healthcare access for individuals of color. Culturally competent care is the practice of accounting for diverse backgrounds and needs of patients. It is essential in mitigating the effects of cultural and language barriers. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at improving transportation infrastructure and expanding internet accessibility can enhance healthcare access for underserved communities. Additionally, promoting transparency, accountability, and empathy within the medical field is crucial in rebuilding trust and addressing the legacy of historical traumas.

Comprehending the intricate dynamics of healthcare access for individuals of color necessitates an extensive examination of the cultural, structural, and historical factors at play. By recognizing and addressing these complexities, our communities can make significant progress toward more equitable and inclusive healthcare landscapes for all individuals, irrespective of their racial or ethnic backgrounds. Given the mission of Effective to Great Education, it is essential to note that emotional and mental care falls under this umbrella. Through the technologies that Effective to Great Education develops, communities can take the first step towards healing their relationship with their health through the avenue of social emotional wellbeing.