Perceived Discrimination in Healthcare Among American Indian College Students

Abstract

Introduction: Trust is integral in the patient-physician relationship. Perceived discrimination can have a detrimental effect on that relationship. The purpose of this study is to investigate Native and Non-Native perceptions of healthcare and their levels of trust in the U.S. healthcare system and government. Methods: We conducted a survey of Native and Non-Native college students. Questions focused on the experience of receiving healthcare, opinions on racism, and trust in the U.S. healthcare system and general trust toward government. Results: Native and Non-Native participants reported perceived discrimination by their providers, experiencing barriers to open discussion, and reluctance to ask questions during appointments. Native participants reported a stronger agreement with statements about racism in modern society and a lower level of trust in the federal government. Conclusion: Trust differs between Native and Non-Native patients and learning more about the factors that affect that trust could be important for improving the healthcare experience for an underserved population.