Perceived Discrimination in Medical Care Settings on A1c Data From the All of Us Program.

Abstract

Approximately 11.3% of the U.S. population has diabetes, mostly type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and maintenance of A1c levels is vital to prevent complications among patients. Perceived discrimination in medical care settings (PDMS) affects patient care, while social support may mitigate its impact. This study aims to explore the influence of PDMS on A1c levels in T2DM patients using the All of Us Research Program, which collects health data from diverse individuals across the United States. Our study included 135 T2DM-diagnosed participants. Measures included demographic info, A1c data, self-rated health, social support, and perceived discrimination. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted. Participants were predominantly older, female, non-Hispanic White, and had relatively high levels of education and above-average income levels. Most rated their health positively. Social support, including marital status, was considered. The average A1c level was 6.72 ± 1.54. Notably, 42% experienced high PDMS, correlating with poorer self-rated health. Multivariable regression revealed significant associations between A1c and follow-up time, age, marital status, and PDMS. Specifically, PDMS significantly correlates with poorer A1c, indicating a potential impact on diabetes management. Findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions and anti-discrimination guidelines in clinical practice. Insights from this study inform interventions mitigating discrimination and enhancing diabetes care. Health care providers fostering inclusive environments can improve patient trust and adherence to treatment, leading to better outcomes. Cultivating inclusive environments through health care providers improves patient outcomes. Diverse population inclusion in future studies is crucial.