Physicians' Perceptions about Race-based Disparities in HIV Treatment

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine physicians' beliefs about unfairness in the healthcare system and identify factors associated with perceptions of race-based disparities pertaining to HIV-related treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were analyzed from 454 physicians. Binary logistic regression was employed. Results: Racial/ethnic minority physicians, those physicians with higher percentages of white patients, and those perceiving unfairness in the healthcare system based on money and race/ethnicity were significantly more likely to perceive Whites receive newer HIV medicines and treatments relative to African Americans. Conclusions: With the progression of healthcare in the United States, additional opportunities to obtain treatment for people living with HIV are anticipated. Although this system change may alleviate healthcare disparities by increasing service availability and affordability, it does not guarantee equitable treatment access or provision.