Exposing Healthcare Disparities for Muslim Women and Minorities in the US

In the United States, healthcare expenditures surpass those of any other country, with annual spending exceeding $4.4 trillion in 2022. 

Despite this substantial investment, health disparities persist, particularly affecting racial and ethnic minority populations. These inequities are deeply rooted in the healthcare system and are exacerbated by factors such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. 

The Struggles of Muslim Women in U.S. Healthcare 

Muslim women in the United States face distinctive barriers to healthcare that are intertwined with cultural and religious practices. According to a study on their interactions within the healthcare system, Islamic teachings and social norms can significantly shape these women’s healthcare experiences. 

For instance, many Muslim women may prefer female healthcare providers or need accommodations for religious practices such as prayer times and dietary restrictions. Unfortunately, these needs are often not fully understood or respected within the U.S. healthcare system, leading to gaps in care and increased health risks. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored these disparities. Black and Hispanic women, including those who are Muslim, have faced heightened risks and complications related to pregnancy and childbirth during the pandemic. 

Conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which are more prevalent in these groups, exacerbate these risks. Consequently, the pandemic has led to a sharper decline in life expectancy for Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) populations, exacerbating existing disparities. 

The Invisible Challenges of MENA Muslims 

The American Muslim community is a diverse and multi-faceted group, comprising individuals from various racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. However, the current categorization practices in the U.S. Census obscure the distinct identity and needs of Muslims, particularly those from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

These individuals are often misclassified as "White," preventing accurate data collection and visibility of this population, thereby exacerbating health inequities. 

The Census Bureau’s categorization impacts how resources are allocated and which communities are prioritized for services like healthcare. Research has shown that Muslims, particularly those from MENA backgrounds, experience higher levels of perceived discrimination, which negatively impacts their mental health and access to quality healthcare. 

Broader Disparities Among Minority Groups 

Racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare continue to impact minority communities in the U.S. Black, Hispanic, and American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) individuals are more likely to experience poor health outcomes due to factors such as poverty, pollution, lack of green spaces and limited access to affordable healthcare. 

These systemic issues are compounded by interpersonal racism and discrimination within healthcare settings, where minority patients often receive worse care than their white counterparts. 

Studies have shown that Black patients received worse care than white patients on 52 percent of quality measures in 2023. Disparities are particularly pronounced in areas such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, maternal health outcomes, pain management and surgery. These findings highlight the urgent need for systemic changes to address these inequities. 

The roots of these disparities lie in historical and ongoing policies that have created economic and social inequalities. 

The policy choices made by federal, state, and local leaders over many decades have led to economic suppression, unequal educational access, and widespread housing segregation, all of which have contributed to worse health outcomes for people of color. 

While progress has been made towards universal healthcare coverage, significant gaps remain, particularly in states that haven't expanded Medicaid eligibility. 

Addressing health inequities requires a multi-pronged approach. Policy changes aimed at reducing poverty, improving access to education and healthy environments, and dismantling racism within healthcare systems are all crucial steps. 

In Western societies, it's vital to honor cultural and religious norms regarding modesty and gender-concordant care for Muslim women. They should have the freedom to choose the gender of their healthcare provider without facing any stigma. 

Doctors Aasim Padela and Pablo Rodriguez stress the significance of these accommodations, drawing parallels to how airlines and hospitals inquire about dietary preferences such as kosher or vegetarian meals. Similarly, in clinical settings, where religious beliefs may impact interactions or treatment decisions, adopting a similar approach can be beneficial.

By offering this choice, healthcare providers can create a more comfortable and respectful environment for Muslim women, ensuring their needs are met while receiving medical care. This simple gesture demonstrates respect for patients' beliefs and preferences, promoting better patient-provider relationships and enhancing the overall quality of care. 

By investing in these areas, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion, has a fair chance of achieving good health.