Prevalence of Medical Mistrust and Its Impact on Patient Satisfaction in Pediatric Caregivers

Racial minorities report lower perceived quality of care received compared to non-Hispanic White Americans, resulting in racial disparities in patient satisfaction. Medical mistrust, defined as a lack of confidence in the medical establishment and the intentions of medical personnel, is more prevalent among racial minority groups and is associated with poorer health outcomes. This study examines the prevalence and racial differences of patient/caregiver medical mistrust and its relationship to patient satisfaction among the pediatric patient population at a large urban academic medical center. A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted for caregivers of pediatric families seen at an urban tertiary care facility, including demographic information, the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ), and the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS). Linear regressions and mediation analyses were performed, examining race-based medical mistrust and associations with patient satisfaction. Sixty-seven surveys (67% Black/African American, 24% White) were completed. Black/African American participants reported higher levels of medical mistrust (M = 2.29, SD = 0.88 vs. M = 1.37, SD = 0.50; p < .001), which was associated with lower patient satisfaction (p < .001). In a parallel mediation analysis, disaggregating the GBMMS into three subscales, a significant indirect relationship emerged between race and patient satisfaction via the subscale lack of support from healthcare providers (95% CI [- 1.52, - .02], p < .05). Black/African American participants were more likely to have medical mistrust, and greater medical mistrust was significantly associated with lower patient satisfaction. Black/African American participants were significantly more likely to perceive lower support from healthcare providers which, in turn, was associated with lower patient satisfaction. These findings identify potential areas for intervention to improve Black/African American patients' experience with healthcare.