Patient-provider communication quality as a predictor of medical mistrust among young Black women

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Abstract
The present study explores the association between patient-provider communication quality and medical mistrust in a sample of 174 young Black women, aged 18–24. Data were collected as part of a larger mixed-methods study examining sexual health communication and behaviors. Participants were recruited via non-probabilistic sampling methods between June 2018 and December 2018. Eligible respondents completed a self-administered online study that examined, among other components, healthcare experiences and medical mistrust. Hierarchical linear regression was used to explore the relationship between patient-provider communication quality and medical mistrust. Patient-provider communication quality was a significant predictor of medical mistrust; as communication quality increased, medical mistrust decreased (p < .001). Educational attainment also emerged as a significant predictor. Relative to not completing any college, completing some college was associated with lower medical mistrust (p= .031). Our findings suggest that for providers seeking to address medical mistrust in patients identifying as young Black women, focusing on patient-centered communication may be particularly impactful.
Funding Information
  • the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (F31MD012211)
  • University of Maryland, Baltimore, Institute for Clinical & Translational Research
  • National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (1UL1TR003098)

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