Discrimination and Poorer Health: How Does Health Care Factor In?

Everyday discrimination (subtle slights, disrespect, and unfair treatment, both inside and outside the health care system) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease, premature mortality, and other adverse health outcomes. But the mechanism of this association is incompletely understood. To what extent is it related to patterns of health care access and utilization?

In 2023, 27,000 patients who completed the annual National Health Interview Survey also completed the 5-item, 20-point Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS; 18% Hispanic, 12% Black, 6% Asian).