Summary
As heard on Morning Edition, a study in Oregon presents how medical responders have been treating minority patients different than how they treat white patients. For instance, scientists have found out that “black patients in their study were 40 percent less likely to get pain medication than their white peers” (Foden-Vencil, 2019). Although outright discrimination is illegal, researchers believe that in this case black patients are neglected of care because of unconscious bias. But because of unconscious bias, a new report shows that “it may be one of factors behind race-link health disparities seen across the U.S.” (Foden-Vencil, 2019). There were many incidences where minority patients would seek medical attention and pain killers, but were denied such treatment because the medical staff believed either they didn’t need it or they’re one of those patients who ask for too much. Moreover, “research has also found African-Americans more likely to be deeply distrustful of the medical community, and that may play a role in diminished care, too” (Foden-Vencil, 2019). Such distrust from the African-Americans is understandable because health care does very little to fix the disparities that minorities face, even though they are constantly researching on it. Overall, many policies are reaching out to communities of color in order to decrease the disparities that minorities experience.
Sociological Reflection
When reading over this current event, it is safe to say that “African Americans… who have experienced the most racial discrimination in their daily lives tend to have worse physical health” (Galta, Chapter 13 Lecture, 2020). As if dealing with daily discrimination isn’t enough for minorities, now health care systems throw neglectful medical attention on top of that. According to the article, 40 percent of African-Americans were less likely to receive pain medication. Such actions prevent minority patients from a quicker recovery. With this in mind, if minorities are refused pain medication, what else are these patients lacking in? Moreover, contributing factors to health disparities for minorities are “stress, poor living conditions, lack of access to adequate health care, lack of education, and unhealthy lifestyles” (Galta, Chapter 13 Lecture, 2020). According to the article, minority patients were not aware of the roles of certain health care professionals which made it difficult to receive the help they require. In addition, poor living conditions that may result to unhealthy lifestyles makes it easier for these people to get sick or get injured. Once minorities do seek medical attention, they are denied the help or are partially taken care of, which results to an increase in stress and distrust for the health care system. Overall, many minorities, including African Americans, experience severe health disparities, and it doesn’t make it easier for them when health care professionals are being unconsciously biased.
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