33321 Sociocultural attitudes of dermatology patients: A racially blinded cross-sectional survey study

Abstract

Background: Disparities in dermatologic care among patients of color (POC) result in significant differences in treatment quality, satisfaction, and outcomes. There remains a paucity of data on dermatology patient sociocultural attitudes towards racial discrimination and preference of race-concordant dermatologists. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study sampled a diverse population of dermatology patients regarding their sociocultural concerns and racial equity perceptions. Chi-square tests were used to compare survey answers by demographics, though race and ethnicity were not solicited. Results: Of 1121 respondents, 31% reported that picking a race-concordant dermatologist was important. Patients who were younger (P < .001), employed (P < .05), of lower household income (P < .001), on Medicare/Medicaid (P < .001), and from US Southeast, West and Southwest (P < .05) were more likely to prefer race-concordant dermatologists. Forty-eight percent of patients believed that race-concordant dermatologists would be able to better listen, relate, and provide treatment. Sixty percent of participants “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that they receive the same quality of care as patients of different race/ethnicity, though 40% “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that POC receive the same quality of care as White patients. Conclusion: This study offers valuable evidence of factors affecting perceptions of care equity and patient satisfaction. A majority of participants did not believe POC and white patients receive equitable care. Further, trust and shared experiences are important to patients who prefer a race-concordant dermatologist. Race-discordant dermatologists should address differences in attitudes and preferences by being well versed in the range of skin phenotypes, dismantling implicit biases and working towards cultural sensitivity and humility.