Diane R. Brown, PhD, School of Public Health, Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 65 Bergen Street, SSB-1346, Newark, NJ 07107, 973-972-4382, browndi@umdnj.edu and Ronica Rooks, PhD, Sociology, Kent State University, 215 Merrill Hall, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242.

Mistrust of the healthcare system has been identified as a barrier to minority utilization of medical care. However, use of health care services, for prevention and early detection as well as for treatment is viewed as one mechanism for closing the health gap for minority populations. The purpose of this analysis is to examine differences in levels of mistrust among African American and White community dwelling residents and to ascertain the extent to which levels of mistrust influence their utilization of health care services for cancer screening and annual exams. Data were collected using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) and random digit dialing methods. A total of 1,200 interviews were completed with men and women, ages 18 and older, residing in a major urban area. Survey respondents were asked a series of statements regarding trust in the health care system and in health care professionals. The analysis of race differences controlled for health insurance, gender, and age among other factors. While there were few racial differences in expressed level of trust in health care professionals, African American were less trusting than Whites regarding the receipt of quality of health care. While 65 percent of Caucasians believed that Blacks received the same quality of care as Whites, only 43 percent of African Americans agreed. Implications for medical care and public health practice with minority populations are discussed.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to

• understand the cultural and historical context of mistrust among African Americans;
• articulate knowledge about race differences in the perceptions of equal/unequal health care treatment; and
• identify specific aspects of health care systeme that lead to mistrust for both Black and White Americans.

Keywords: African American, Health Care Utilization

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.