Silent Barriers: The Hidden Cost of Discrimination in Black Men’s Health Care Utilization

TL;DR

This study explores how different types of discrimination affect hospital visits by older Black men, revealing that race-based discrimination is linked to fewer hospital visits.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach to understanding how distinct discrimination patterns influence healthcare utilization among older Black men.

Findings

Three distinct discrimination classes were identified: Low, Race/Ancestry, and Broad Discrimination.

Men experiencing Race/Ancestry Discrimination had significantly lower odds of hospital visits compared to those with Low Discrimination.

No significant difference in hospital visits was found between Broad Discrimination and Low Discrimination groups.

Abstract

Everyday discrimination is a well-documented risk factor for poor health outcomes, yet its impact on healthcare utilization among older Black men remains understudied. While discriminatory experiences shape healthcare behaviors, little is known about how distinct patterns of discrimination influence hospital visits. This study employs latent class analysis to identify discrimination subgroups and examines their association with healthcare utilization, addressing a critical gap in minority health research.

Using data from the 2010/2012 Health and Retirement Study, I conducted a latent class analysis to identify discrimination patterns among Black men aged 50 and older (N = 843). Negative binomial regression models assessed the association between discrimination classes and hospital visits, adjusting for sociodemographic and health factors.

The mean number of hospital visits was slightly under 13. Three distinct discrimination classes emerged: Low Discrimination (35.85%), Race/Ancestry Discrimination (32.4%), and Broad Discrimination (31.75%). Compared to men in the Low Discrimination class, those in the Race/Ancestry Discrimination group had significantly lower odds of hospital visits. No significant differences were observed between the Broad Discrimination and Low Discrimination groups.

Findings highlight the need for healthcare interventions that address multiple forms of discrimination. Providers should implement culturally responsive practices and integrate discrimination screening into clinical care. Future research should investigate the mechanisms through which discrimination shapes healthcare-seeking behaviors, informing targeted interventions to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for older Black men.