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A Validation of the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale in Formerly Incarcerated Black and Latino Men
Pamela Valera1, Javier F Boyas2, Camila Bernal1
11 Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
While there is a growing body of literature on medical mistrust and its relevance to public health, research on formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men and their perception of mistrust toward medical providers and medical institutions remains scant. Very little is known about whether formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men mistrust medical and clinical providers given their previous experiences with the criminal justice system. It is important to determine whether medical mistrust play a key role in the health and health behaviors of released Black and Latino men. The purpose of this study is to validate and assess the psychometric properties of the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale for use among formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men in New York City. The findings of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses state that a two-factor structure fit the data best. Two dimensions emerged as important subscales: discrimination and suspicion. The current findings suggest the two-factor Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale is a valid and reliable assessment tool to discern medical mistrust levels among formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men.
Insights
This study validates a tool to measure medical mistrust in formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men. Findings show discrimination and suspicion are key factors in their mistrust of healthcare systems.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
- Medical Sociology
Background:
- Medical mistrust is a significant public health concern, yet research on formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men is limited.
- Understanding their mistrust of medical providers and institutions is crucial, given potential links to criminal justice system experiences.
- Assessing medical mistrust is vital for addressing health and health behaviors in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate and assess the psychometric properties of the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale.
- To adapt the scale for use among formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men in New York City.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed.
- The Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale was psychometrically evaluated.
Main Results:
- A two-factor structure demonstrated the best fit for the data.
- Discrimination and suspicion emerged as significant subscales.
- The validated scale proved to be a reliable tool for assessing medical mistrust.
Conclusions:
- The two-factor Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale is a valid and reliable instrument.
- It can effectively discern levels of medical mistrust among formerly incarcerated Black and Latino men.
- Findings highlight the importance of addressing discrimination and suspicion in healthcare settings for this population.
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