Racial-Ethnic Differences in Overall Satisfaction with the Healthcare System Among Older Adults in the U.S

• In Event: 20820 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 10. Racialized Experiences of Healthcare

Abstract

Objectives: Growing evidence suggests that healthcare outcomes for older adults rely not only on their physical health and medical treatment but also on addressing their psychosocial needs and considering their social, economic, cultural, and psychological vulnerabilities. Previous research indicates that Black, Hispanic, and other racial minority groups often report lower satisfaction with healthcare services or lower healthcare utilization rates due to systemic barriers, perceived discrimination, and disparities in treatment. Despite growing awareness, racial and ethnic differences in healthcare experiences remain a critical issue in the U.S., highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to promote equitable care.
Methods: A logistic multilevel model with random intercepts was employed to analyze data from four waves (2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), investigating the relationship between race/ethnicity and healthcare satisfaction over time.
Results: Findings demonstrate significant racial/ethnic differences in overall healthcare satisfaction among older adults, with Black and Hispanic respondents consistently reporting lower satisfaction levels compared to White respondents.
Discussion: The persistence of these differences over time highlights the need for targeted policy measures, such as cultural competency training for healthcare providers, expansion of equitable healthcare access, and efforts to improve patient-provider communication. Addressing these disparities is critical to ensuring a more responsive healthcare system for the aging U.S. population.
Keywords: Satisfaction with healthcare system, racial/ethnic differences, longitudinal analysis

Authors

• Yaqi(Sam) Yuan, Georgia Institute of Technology

• Rui (Zoe) Huang, SUNY-Buffalo

• Yulin Yang, University of California-San Francisco