Stigma and discrimination experienced by Black women with endometriosis in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan area: A pilot of the ENDO-served study.

Abstract

Medical racism perpetuates health inequities contributing to why Black people in the United States (US) experience worse health outcomes when compared to non-Hispanic White populations. In terms of endometriosis, research on endometriosis-associated stigma has included mainly non-Hispanic White populations, with far less research on non-Hispanic Black populations. This leaves a gap in our knowledge on how stigma informs the intersection of racism and endometriosis. Thus, this study assessed the stigma experiences of Black women with endometriosis residing in the Washington, DC, area. An anonymous cross-sectional survey obtained key demographics, healthcare experiences, stigma, and depression. Mean stigma scores were similar (scale of 1 (least) to 5(most): enacted = 2.0 (SD ± 0.9), anticipated = 2.3 (SD ± 1.0), and internalized = 2.5 (SD ± 0.7) (n = 28). Those reporting healthcare providers made assumptions based on racial stereotypes had higher anticipated stigma, compared to those who did not (2.6 vs. 1.7). It was also observed that there was higher anticipated stigma for those changed providers due to racial discrimination, compared to those who did not (2.9 vs. 1.7). It can be theorized that the real-world outcomes from these stigma experiences may include delayed treatment and interruption in care continuity leading to worse health outcomes. This highlights why culturally responsive care practices are needed to address medical racism and stigma.