Dataset Information

Challenging Race-Based Medicine Through Historical Education About the Social Construction of Race.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Scientifically, there is little genetic variation among humans and race has no biological basis. However, medical school preclinical curricula tend to misrepresent race and reify biologically essentialist explanations for disease. The social construct of race is, therefore, used to inform health care providers' treatment decisions. Use of race-based medicine has been identified as a contributor to racial health disparities, spurring a growing movement to challenge race essentialism and race-based medicine. The current research tested an intervention that educates college students about the historical construction of racial categories in the United States.

Methods

Participants who were randomly assigned to the intervention condition read an article highlighting the history of the sociopolitical construction of race. They were then prompted to discuss in dyads how racial categories were created and changed over history, and-in light of all this-the appropriateness of race-based medicine. Those assigned to the control condition advanced directly to the outcome measures.

Results

Participants in the intervention condition reported less race essentialism, less support for race-based medicine, and greater belief that race-based medicine contributes to racial health disparities. Findings were not moderated by premed status.

Discussion

Our data provide initial evidence that our interactive intervention could effectively reduce biological essentialism and support for race-based medicine in both premed and non-premed students.

Health equity implications

This intervention has the potential to shape the way health care providers in-training understand race, their internalization of biologically essentialist explanations for disease, and willingness to adopt race-based treatment plans.

SUBMITTER: Skinner-Dorkenoo AL

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10698761 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Challenging Race-Based Medicine Through Historical Education About the Social Construction of Race.

Skinner-Dorkenoo Allison L AL Rogbeer Kasheena G KG Sarmal Apoorva A Ware Cynthia C Zhu Jennifer J

Health equity 20231130 1

<h4>Background</h4>Scientifically, there is little genetic variation among humans and race has no biological basis. However, medical school preclinical curricula tend to misrepresent race and reify biologically essentialist explanations for disease. The social construct of race is, therefore, used to inform health care providers' treatment decisions. Use of race-based medicine has been identified as a contributor to racial health disparities, spurring a growing movement to challenge race essenti ...[more]

PMID: 38076218

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Project description:BackgroundPrevious studies have predominantly measured e-professionalism through perceptions or attitudes, yet there exists no validated measure specifically targeting the actual behaviors of health care professionals (HCPs) in this realm. This study addresses this gap by constructing a normative framework, drawing from 3 primary sources to define e-professional behavior across 6 domains. Four domains pertain to the dangers of social networking sites (SNSs), encompassing confidentiality, privacy, patient interaction, and equitable resource allocation. Meanwhile, 2 domains focus on the opportunities of SNSs, namely, the proactive dissemination of public health information and maintaining scientific integrity.ObjectiveThis study aims to develop and validate 2 new measures assessing the e-professional behavior of doctors of medicine (MDs) and doctors of dental medicine (DMDs), focusing on both the dangers and opportunities associated with SNSs.MethodsThe study used a purposive sample of MDs and DMDs in Croatia who were users of at least one SNS. Data collection took place in 2021 through an online survey. Validation of both indexes used a formative approach, which involved a 5-step methodology: content specification, indicators definition with instructions for item coding and index construction, indicators collinearity check using the variance inflation factor (VIF), external validity test using multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model, and external validity test by checking the relationships of the indexes with the scale of attitude toward SNSs using Pearson correlation coefficients.ResultsA total of 753 responses were included in the analysis. The first e-professionalism index, assessing the dangers associated with SNSs, comprises 14 items. During the indicators collinearity check, all indicators displayed acceptable VIF values below 2.5. The MIMIC model showed good fit (χ213=9.4, P=.742; χ2/df=0.723; root-mean-square error of approximation<.001; goodness-of-fit index=0.998; comparative fit index=1.000). The external validity of the index is supported by a statistically significant negative correlation with the scale measuring attitudes toward SNSs (r=-0.225, P<.001). Following the removal of 1 item, the second e-professionalism index, focusing on the opportunities associated with SNSs, comprises 5 items. During the indicators collinearity check, all indicators exhibited acceptable VIF values below 2.5. Additionally, the MIMIC model demonstrated a good fit (χ24=2.5, P=.718; χ2/df=0.637; root-mean-square error of approximation<0.001; goodness-of-fit index=0.999; comparative fit index=1.000). The external validity of the index is supported by a statistically significant positive correlation with the scale of attitude toward SNSs (r=0.338; P<.001).ConclusionsFollowing the validation process, the instrument designed for gauging the e-professional behavior of MDs and DMDs consists of 19 items, which contribute to the formation of 2 distinct indexes: the e-professionalism index, focusing on the dangers associated with SNSs, comprising 14 items, and the e-professionalism index, highlighting the opportunities offered by SNSs, consisting of 5 items. These indexes serve as valid measures of the e-professional behavior of MDs and DMDs, with the potential for further refinement to encompass emerging forms of unprofessional behavior that may arise over time.

Dataset Information

Challenging Race-Based Medicine Through Historical Education About the Social Construction of Race.

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Health equity implications

Publications

Challenging Race-Based Medicine Through Historical Education About the Social Construction of Race.

Similar Datasets

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