Understanding Black Women's Lived Experiences of Medical Mistrust and Trust in the Reproductive Care Setting: A...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Health Disparities
• Medical Sociology

Background:

• Medical mistrust among Black women negatively impacts healthcare engagement and outcomes.
• This study specifically examines medical mistrust and trust-building factors within the reproductive health context for Black women in Alachua County, Florida.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the levels and correlates of medical mistrust in Black women.
• To identify key provider characteristics that foster trust in reproductive healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was utilized.
• An Integrated Black Women's Reproductive Health Social Ecological Model (IBWRH-SEM) guided tool development.
• Data collection involved an online survey (n=255) and semi-structured interviews (n=16) with self-identified Black women aged 18+.

Main Results:

• Higher mistrust was reported by younger women, married women, and those utilizing both allopathic and holistic care.
• Seeking integrated care correlated with increased mistrust, lack of support, suspicion, and higher health disparity scores.
• Key trust-building characteristics identified include transparency, humanizing interactions, provider tone, acknowledging patient insight, and adequate time spent with patients.

Conclusions:

• Structural improvements in healthcare systems and interpersonal provider behaviors are recommended.
• Interventions should prioritize Black women's needs, reducing their burden of self-advocacy and vigilance.