Is Systemic Racism Affecting Your Health?
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Systemic Racism
quiz: fact vs fiction
01/08
b
a
Quiz: Systemic Racism & Your Health
Yes, it’s happened at least once Yes, but not recently No, but a friend or family member told me it happened to them No, that hasn’t been my experience
Have you ever had a negative experience at a doctor’s office or hospital that you felt was race-related?
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inCorrect!
According to a large 2021 survey, most Black adults in the U.S. have had at least one negative experience with a healthcare professional in the past. And around 40% say they’ve had to speak up to get proper care. A single negative experience can erode a person’s faith in the healthcare system and may make them less likely to reach out for regular preventive care.
Correct!
02/08
Yes, literally all the time Yes, but I just ignore them Sometimes, and they make me hungry No, I’ve never noticed that
Have you ever felt bombarded by advertisements for fast food, “junk food,” or sugary sodas?
Every year, fast food companies spend billions of dollars on advertising that disproportionately targets the Black community. And Black children in particular. In 2019, Black youths viewed 75% more fast food ads than their white peers. Eating habits developed in youth can stick with you for a lifetime. This may contribute to the higher rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in Black adults.
03/08
Less than $5,000 $5,000 to $40,000 $40,000 to $100,000 More than $100,000
What’s your best estimate of your family’s total wealth? (Think about what you have in the bank and own, then subtract all debts like student loans or your mortgage.)
Centuries of oppression and injustice have prevented most Black families in the United States from accumulating wealth over time. A staggering gap between Black and white households continues to this day. In 2019, the median wealth of Black households (half have more and half have less) was $24,100 — for white households, it was $189,100. Wealth inequality affects your health in a number of ways, limiting access to healthy food, quality medical care, safe and stable housing, quality education, and more.
04/08
Yes, definitely Yes, but I wouldn’t say it’s easy to access I’m not sure, I usually go to the closest covered provider No, the quality of care in my area is not great
Do you have easy access to top-quality medical care in your area?
Research suggests that healthcare professionals located within majority Black and Hispanic neighborhoods tend to offer lower-quality medical care than providers located elsewhere. These areas are also less likely to have primary care providers and specialized resources. This lower level of care contributes to higher rates of preventable conditions.
05/08
Yes, I live in America Yes, it happens sometimes Maybe, I haven’t thought much about it No, that hasn’t been my experience
Have you ever felt discriminated against, stereotyped, or judged because of your race?
Facing the everyday discriminations and microaggressions of a racist society is a major cause of stress for Black Americans of all ages. Roughly 8 in 10 say they have personally experienced this. Researchers have linked this stress to poorer health outcomes, including higher blood pressure, and poorer mental health.
06/08
Yes, I lived without medical insurance for a long time Yes, I’ve been uninsured at various points in my life Yes, but not for long No, I’ve never been without medical insurance
Have you ever been without medical insurance?
Despite recent advances, Black Americans are still more likely to be uninsured than white Americans. They’re also more likely to be in jobs that don’t offer insurance or provide enough coverage, leaving them with greater out-of-pocket expenses for things like prescription drugs. Whether you’ve had consistent access to affordable medication and preventive care throughout your life can significantly impact your long-term health.
07/08
Yes, for most of my life Yes, but not recently Sort of, it’s complicated No, I’ve never lived anywhere like that.
Have you ever lived in a neighborhood impacted by physical disorder (dilapidation, vandalism, pollutants) or social disorder (crime, over-policing, housing instability)?
In the U.S., systemic racism and residential segregation influence where most people live. Black communities are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards like industrial pollution in the air and drinking water, which is linked to conditions like asthma and cancer. Communities affected by violence are also linked to poorer health outcomes — including the effects of emotional coping strategies like smoking and drinking. A lack of safe outdoor space for exercise and play can also have a profound impact on your health.
08/08
I’ve heard a lot about it from members of my family and community I’ve heard talk of it here and there I learned a bit about it in school I’ve never heard about it before
How much have you heard about instances in the past when Black Americans were victimized by the medical community, such as the Tuskegee syphilis experiments or the forced sterilization of Black women?
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In the past, Black Americans were terribly mistreated by the medical community. Whether or not you’ve heard stories from your parents or grandparents, you may have been exposed to a general attitude of mistrust in your community — an uneasiness passed down through the generations. Some people, particularly older adults, continue to be skeptical of the medical community. Unfortunately, this way of thinking can have real consequences, especially when people are hesitant to get services — like the COVID-19 vaccine — that could benefit their health.
0/8 - Probably not
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Learn more about health equity, social determinants of health, and how systemic racism affects the health of others.
The racism entrenched in our legal, economic, and political systems also perpetuates other factors affecting health outcomes, like income inequality and access to high-quality education.
It doesn’t seem like systemic racism has had a direct impact on your health or healthcare experience so far. Nonetheless, systemic racism is what’s known as a social determinant of health. This means it’s a nonmedical factor that can have a significant impact on your health.
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1/8 - Probably
Learn more about the many ways systemic racism can affect your health outcomes.
The racism entrenched in our legal, economic, and political systems also perpetuate other factors affecting health outcomes, like income inequality, access to high quality education, and where you live.
Systemic racism has likely impacted your health in one way or another. These effects are often subtle and may not be fully realized for many years. Systemic racism is what’s known as a social determinant of health. This means it’s a nonmedical factor that can have a significant impact on your health, putting you at increased risk of developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease and reducing your overall life expectancy.
2/8 - Probably
3/8 - Definitely
Systemic racism is what’s known as a social determinant of health. This means it’s a nonmedical factor that can have a significant impact on your health over time, putting you at increased risk of developing conditions like diabetes and heart disease and reducing your overall life expectancy.
Systemic racism has definitely impacted your health in more ways than one. You may have seen firsthand how race can affect care when a doctor didn’t take your pain seriously or it took longer than it should have to get a diagnosis. But the effects of systemic racism can often be subtle.
3
Learn more about racial bias in healthcare, how you can advocate for yourself, and how to find culturally competent care.
4/8 - Definitely
5/8 - Definitely
6/8 - Definitely
7/8 - Definitely
8/8 - Definitely
