Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Treatment Recommendations: Behavioral Modifications for High Cholesterol

• In Event: 343 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 22. Race, Ethnicity, and Health

Abstract

Racial/ethnic disparities in health continue to be pervasive and produce cumulative health disadvantages for many non-white groups. Limited evidence demonstrates national patterns of physicians’ unequal treatment of patients based on race/ethnicity. This paper uses two nationally representative datasets – one of patients and one of physicians - to examine whether treatment recommendations for high cholesterol differ based on race/ethnicity. Results from both datasets indicate physicians are significantly more likely to recommend behavioral modifications (losing weight, eating less, and exercising more) to black and Hispanic patients than to white patients, net of socioeconomic status and additional potential confounders. Notably, there are no significant racial/ethnic differences in odds of prescribing medication. This study presents the first national results comparing patient and physician reported treatment recommendations for high cholesterol. Findings could suggest physician prejudice against black and Hispanic bodies and health behaviors or efforts to invest more in black and Hispanic patients by providing health education beyond medication.

Author

• Emily Steiner, University of Colorado-Boulder