Experiences of African American Adults on Healthcare Encounters: A Qualitative Study

The goal of this research is to contribute to the current conversation about the experiences of African American individuals in the U.S. related to accessing and utilizing healthcare services.

National healthcare quality goals in the U.S. aim to ensure equitable access and delivery of quality care to all, yet significant disparities persist, particularly among minority and underserved populations. African Americans face higher incidence rates and poorer disease outcomes, leading to a life expectancy of 5.5 years shorter than their White counterparts. Addressing these disparities requires multilevel interventions that consider the perceptions and experiences of African American healthcare recipients, as explored in this qualitative study conducted in a southeastern U.S. region.

This study utilized a qualitative descriptive design and semi-structured interviews. The recruitment utilized purposive sampling, and interviews were conducted with 7 participants between February and April of 2021. The data analysis was conducted using conventional content analysis methods. Study reporting follows the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines.

Three major themes emerged from the data: Clear and Open Communication, Healthcare Mistrust, and Challenges with Access to Care. The findings highlight that clear communication, healthcare mistrust, and access to care challenges are critical factors impacting the perceived quality of healthcare encounters among African Americans in a southeastern U.S. region.

Recommendations for practice emphasize culturally competent care to address health disparities affecting African Americans. The findings highlight the importance of equitable care, more research on patient perceptions, and addressing medical mistrust through participatory research methods that include the African American community's input.