J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2025;36(4):1159-1172. doi: 10.1353/hpu.2025.a975579.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To investigate racism in the health care setting experienced by American Indian and Alaska Native people and its influence on health care engagement.
METHODS: Data were collected via self-report surveys administered in person at two community powwows in Denver, Colorado in 2021 and 2022.
RESULTS: Approximately one-third (29.8%) of American Indian and/or Alaska Native respondents reported having a health care visit where they felt uncomfortable due to their race. Of those, 51% were less likely to see a doctor in the future because of these experiences. Experiences were categorized as racial microaggressions and overt racism.
CONCLUSIONS: American Indian and Alaska Native people experience racial microaggressions and overt racism during health care visits, leading to decreased likelihood of engaging with health care in the future.
PMID:41355635 | DOI:10.1353/hpu.2025.a975579
