The Longitudinal Association between Gendered Racism and Disease Activity among Black Women Living with Lupus

Gendered racism, rooted in the interlocking injustices of racism and sexism, is a contributor to poor mental health; its association with physical health outcomes, however, is not well understood. This study investigates whether gendered racism is associated with disease activity among Black women living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Data are from the Vascular Aging, Inflammation, and Stress in African American Women's Health Research Study (VISTA; 2017-2023). Analyses were restricted to Black women with SLE (N = 201). Results revealed more frequent gendered racism experiences were associated with greater disease activity; this association was attenuated yet remained significant after adjustment for depressive symptoms. Gendered racism experiences linked to Assumptions of Beauty and Sexual Objectification were most consistently associated with disease activity. Study results underscore the importance of examining intersectional injustice (e.g., gendered racism) as a social determinant of health.