Health
Most not aware of health disparities
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 2, 2006
A majority of Americans are unaware of the disparities that exist in health care, according to a new poll from the Harvard School of Public Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
This lack of awareness was greatest among whites, with only 25% believing health care is worse for racial and ethnic minorities. In comparison, 44% of blacks and 56% of Hispanic Americans said racial and ethnic minorities received worse care than whites.
Although most Americans are unaware of the disparities in health care, they did respond that everyone deserves equal care.
"For more than 20 years, surveys have documented that racial and ethnic minorities receive a different level of care than whites," said Robert J. Blendon, ScD, director of the Harvard Program on Public Opinion and Health and Social Policy. "It is important for the public to be aware that disparities in health care exist, so the country can focus on solving this problem."
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/01/02/hlbf0102.htm.
