Disparity in Healthcare Outcomes
Inequitable Access to Care
Cultural Barriers and Miscommunication
Patients from marginalized communities often experience significantly worse health outcomes compared to their counterparts. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women in the U.S. are approximately three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This disparity is attributed to systemic racism, implicit biases among healthcare providers, and a lack of access to culturally sensitive care.
According to a Pew Research Center study, individuals from ethnic minorities are less likely to receive preventive health services. For instance, about 68% of Hispanic adults report having a primary care provider, compared to 76% of the overall U.S. adult population. This inequity in access results in higher rates of chronic diseases and preventable complications within these communities.
Language barriers and cultural differences often exacerbate these disparities. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly half (46%) of Hispanic adults report having a close friend or family member who requires a Spanish-speaking healthcare provider or translator. This lack of effective communication can result in misunderstandings about treatment plans, medication adherence, and overall patient satisfaction
