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Perceptions and misperceptions of skin color

Article Abstract:

Case presentations should not include racial labels in the initial description of the patient. Using descriptions such as 'black' and 'white' along with the patient's age and sex can be misleading and even inaccurate. In most cases, the use of racial terms in the opening sentence of case reports has been passed on by tradition, that is, medical students learn by example rather than being specifically taught to do it. Racial labels may be misleading if they cause clinicians to suspect, reject or ignore diagnoses that are more prevalent among certain population groups. Racial definition may even be inaccurate given the racial mixing that has occurred throughout US history. There is no reason to cause potential bias by describing a patient by race. If ethnicity is pertinent, for example, Mediterranean or Caribbean ancestry, such information can be presented in the medical or social history sections of case reports.

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Identifying ethnicity in medical papers

Article Abstract:

Including the ethnicity of patients may be pertinent in medical papers about epidemiologic studies or clinical trials. Although racial or ethnic descriptions of patients in case reports may be misleading or inaccurate, ethnicity can be a valid variable to analyze in larger studies. Ethnicity encompasses geographic origin and cultural traditions, which may be more germane to health status and disease susceptibility than race alone. However, even among members of the same ethnic group, socioeconomic differences can be factors affecting health. Therefore, designers of epidemiologic studies or clinical trials must carefully consider how ethnicity is defined and presented in their research and findings.

Analysis, Ethnicity

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Medical care and health improvement: the critical link

Article Abstract:

Poor socioeconomic conditions and a lack of access to health services both contribute to lower public health. Economic, social, and behavioral factors all affect the ultimate health of the individual, and interventions to improve any of these factors can enhance health status. Access to care, in the form of insurance, special services, and health outreach and education, have been clearly demonstrated to improve health outcomes. Better public health and fewer disparities in health services require a comprehensive approach.

Medically uninsured persons, Social classes, Social class

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