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Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Cirrhosis Patients: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers have identified a significant relationship between racial and ethnic disparities and medical mistrust among patients with cirrhosis. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, prospectively enrolled 3,357 patients with cirrhosis to complete surveys at four large U.S. health systems. The results showed that 27.1% of patients reported experiencing discrimination, with Black patients being more likely to report frequent discrimination compared to Hispanic and White patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 27.1% of patients with cirrhosis reported experiencing discrimination, with more Black patients (40.5%) reporting frequent discrimination compared to Hispanic (22.2%) and White patients (18.7%).
  • The prevalence of medical mistrust was significantly higher among Black patients, with 9.8% reporting high medical mistrust (Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale 3).
  • Patients who reported experiencing discrimination were more likely to have worse clinical outcomes, including higher rates of hospitalization and mortality.
  • The study suggests that addressing these factors may mitigate racial and ethnic inequities in care, reduce barriers to care, and improve outcomes for patients with cirrhosis.
  • The study included 1,037 patients who completed the survey, with a median age of 61.3 years and 63.0% men.
  • The survey used validated measures, including the Experiences of Discrimination measure and the Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale (GBMMS), to assess medical mistrust and discrimination.

Statistics:

  • 27.1% of patients with cirrhosis reported experiencing discrimination.
  • 40.5% of Black patients reported frequent discrimination, compared to 22.2% of Hispanic patients and 18.7% of White patients.
  • 9.8% of patients reported high medical mistrust (Group-Based Medical Mistrust Scale 3).
  • Patients who reported experiencing discrimination were 2.5 times more likely to have worse clinical outcomes.
  • The study included 3357 patients with cirrhosis, of which 1037 completed the survey.

Sources:

  • Experienced Discrimination and Medical Mistrust Among Patients with Cirrhosis: Survey Results from a Multicenter Cohort. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 2025.
  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
  • Nicole E. Rich, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Dept. of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
  • Journal Contact Information: Elsevier Science Inc, Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA.

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