Original Article

Perceived Discrimination in Healthcare Settings among Latinos with Limited English Proficiency in South Carolina

Authors: Hazel L. Breland, PhD, Charles Ellis, PhD

Abstract

Objectives: Perceived discrimination in healthcare settings is reported frequently by Latino adults and is associated with reductions in healthcare utilization and having a usual source of care. Little is known about discrimination perceived by Latino adults with limited English proficiency (LEP) who also frequently experience difficulties with healthcare access and utilization. The objective of this pilot study was to examine perceived discrimination in healthcare settings among Latino adults with LEP living in South Carolina.

Methods: Sixty-two Latino adults with LEP were surveyed to examine perceived discrimination in healthcare settings using the 10-question Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Reactions to Race Module.

Results: Seventy percent of the sample reported thinking about race/ethnicity on a daily basis. Twenty-one percent reported experiencing physical symptoms and 26% reported feeling emotionally upset in the past 30 days based on how they were treated by others because of their race. When seeking healthcare services, only 11.5% perceived discrimination in healthcare settings.

Conclusions: Although a significant percentage of the sample reported thinking about race/ethnicity daily, only approximately 25% reported experiencing health symptoms based on how they were treated as a result of their race and few perceived discrimination in healthcare settings.

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