Study Shows Latinos Are Less Trusting of Physicians

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A study by Emory University has found that Latinos are more likely to say that doctors are unconcerned about their health and do not see them as equals. The study, entitled “Disaggregating Ethnoracial Disparities in Physician Trust,” found that individuals of a particular race (such as Latinos) tend to have a similar point of view on physician trust.

The study also found that this issue of trust had nothing to do with education level, income, or marital status. U.S. Latinos are less likely than whites to trust the interpersonal competence, technical judgment, and obligation to act ethically towards the best interest of the patient of their doctors.

“By more closely measuring differences in physicians trust, we find key differences in how people in how people view their physicians, which reflect the social and racial structure in which they live,” said Abigail Sewell, assistant professor of sociology at Emory University. “You can’t determine the true nature of racial differences with standard measurement techniques.”

According to Sewell, if a patient does not have faith in a doctor’s expertise, trustworthiness or commitment towards their treatment then they are more likely to resign themselves from their physician’s care.

“If they don’t have an emotional connection with their doctor, they’re not as committed to the doctor’s recommendations,” said Sewell. “[Latinos] are less likely to seek help in the first place.”