BODY MASS INDEX AND OLDER WOMEN AND FEMMES EXPERIENCES WITH DISCRIMINATION IN THE HEALTHCARE SETTING
2024

BMI and Discrimination in Healthcare for Older Women and Femmes

Sample size: 7614 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Roache Tavia, Brown Lauren, Mathershed Amor, Stewart Heaven, Benton Leilani, Singleton Mekiayla

Primary Institution: University of Southern California

Hypothesis

How does BMI impact reports of discrimination in healthcare among older women and femmes?

Conclusion

Women with higher BMI are at increased risk of experiencing discrimination in healthcare, particularly among Black and Latine women.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older Black and Latine women/femmes report higher rates of unfair treatment in healthcare compared to older white women.
  • Women with higher BMI are more likely to report being unfairly denied healthcare.

Takeaway

This study found that older women with higher body weight often feel they are treated unfairly in healthcare, especially Black and Latine women.

Methodology

The study used the Health and Retirement Study leave behind questionnaire to analyze self-reports of discrimination among older women and femmes.

Participant Demographics

Older white, Black, and Latine women and femmes.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p=0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4134

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