A recent Pew Research Center survey has uncovered a profound sense of mistrust among Black adults regarding the U.S. health care system and medical research. The survey, which polled over 4,700 Black adults in September, found that nearly six in ten respondents (58%) believe the health care system was designed to hinder their progress, while 55% expressed the belief that medical researchers today experiment on Black people without their knowledge or consent.
The survey results highlight the significant role that mistrust plays in perpetuating racial health disparities in the United States. Historical instances of medical experimentation on Black patients, such as the Tuskegee syphilis study and the story of Henrietta Lacks, continue to resonate alongside more recent experiences of discrimination.
The belief in ongoing medical experimentation without consent was more prevalent among those who had experienced discrimination and those in lower-income brackets. Geographical location also played a role, with the Midwest having the highest percentage of Black adults (60%) expressing this belief.
Despite these challenges, progress has been made during the COVID-19 pandemic in addressing mistrust within marginalized communities. Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, emphasizes the importance of maintaining and scaling up the infrastructure changes implemented during the pandemic to continue this progress.
The Pew Research Center’s findings underscore the urgent need to address the deep-rooted mistrust within the Black community and work towards building a more equitable and trustworthy health care system for all Americans.
