Purpose
This paper reports on the prevalence and correlates of microaggressive experiences in healthcare settings reported by American Indian (AI) adults with type 2 diabetes.
Methods
This community-based participatory research project includes two AI reservation communities. Data were collected via in-person paper-and-pencil survey interviews with 218 AI adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Results
Over 1/3 of the sample reported experiencing a microaggression in interactions with their health providers. Reports of microaggressions were correlated with self-reported history of heart attack, worse depressive symptoms, and prior year hospitalization. Depressive symptom ratings appeared to account for some of the association between microaggressions and hospitalization (but not history of heart attack) in multivariate models.
Conclusions
Microaggressive experiences undermine the ideals of patient-centered care and in this study were correlated with worse mental and physical health reports for American Indians living with a chronic disease. Providers should be cognizant of these subtle, often unconscious forms of discrimination.
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