Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Barragán, Armando

Abstract

Background: In the United States (US), Black and Brown individuals experience a significant amount of distrust towards medical professionals in the healthcare field. This distrust often results in an ongoing underutilization of medical care due to fears surrounding the quality of treatment Black and Brown individuals receive within the healthcare system. Previous research on this issue has identified many factors that contribute to the severity of medical distrust. Objective: This proposed quantitative study seeks to describe and examine the commonalities Black and Brown individuals have in association with medical distrust towards the healthcare system in the US. Methods: To understand and examine the topic of medical distrust through data, this study utilizes the 2004 Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GMMS), which will be distributed to participants located in predominantly Black and Brown communities. Locations from which participants will be drawn include community centers, non-profit organizations, and churches. As a result of analyzing the data collected through the GMMS tool, the findings will determine if Black and Brown individuals share similar experiences when it comes to receiving medical care. Overall, this study will contribute to the literature on this topic by expanding research on the barriers in healthcare to create a more equitable system in the US.

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