Differences in Medical Mistrust Between Black and White Women: Implications for Patient–Provider Communication About PrEP

Mehrit Tekeste, Shawnika Hull, John F. Dovidio, Cara B. Safon, Oni Blackstock, Tamara Taggart, Trace S. Kershaw, Clair Kaplan, Abigail Caldwell, Susan B. Lane, Sarah K. Calabrese

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective biomedical HIV prevention method. PrEP uptake has been persistently low among US women, particularly Black women, who account for 61% of new HIV diagnoses among women. Further understanding of barriers to Black women accessing PrEP is needed. This 2017 cross-sectional survey study explored race-based differences in PrEP interest and intention among women and the indirect association between race and comfort discussing PrEP with a healthcare provider through medical mistrust. The sample consisted of 501 adult women (241 Black; 260 White) who were HIV-negative, PrEP-inexperienced, and heterosexually active. Black women reported greater PrEP interest and intention than White women. However, Black women expressed higher levels of medical mistrust, which, in turn, was associated with lower comfort discussing PrEP with a provider. Medical mistrust may operate as a unique barrier to PrEP access among Black women who are interested in and could benefit from PrEP.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)1737-1748
Number of pages12
JournalAIDS and behavior
Volume23
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 15 2019
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

Keywords

  • Black/African American
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Medical mistrust
  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • Women

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