Sexually transmitted infections are a significant public health concern, particularly among Black women in the United States. A recent report from the University of Illinois Chicago highlights alarming statistics: despite having fewer sexual partners and a lower likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex, Black women experience chlamydia rates five times higher than their white counterparts and gonorrhea rates over eight times higher, according to CDC data from 2018.
The impact of misinformation and access to care
In an interview with Black Enterprise, Dr. Maxine Owusu, an emergency room physician in Atlanta, sheds light on the underlying issues contributing to these disparities. She notes that many young Black women lack proper health education and access to gynecological care. “Being in the emergency room, I noticed that a lot of people I was caring for were Black women, and I would, unfortunately, see a lot of sexually transmitted diseases,” Owusu explains. “The underlying issue is miseducation and also not having access to a gynecologist.”
Owusu emphasizes that institutionalized racism in health care often leads to Black patients feeling unsafe or unheard. Many avoid seeking help due to past negative experiences with health care providers, which can perpetuate a cycle of untreated health issues. “They feel, perhaps, that they’re not going to be listened to or they’re not going to be advocated for, so many times, they will try and deal with the issue on their own,” she states.
The importance of culturally competent care
Even as a physician, Owusu has faced challenges in the health care system. After the birth of her children, she experienced postpartum issues but encountered delays in care when trying to communicate her concerns. This experience highlights the need for culturally competent care, where providers understand and respect the unique experiences of their patients.
Owusu stresses that even if a patient has a Black physician, other staff members may not be culturally competent. This can lead to serious consequences if patients’ concerns are not taken seriously, resulting in delayed care. “If you’re having pain and you complain about it, if they don’t take you seriously, then they won’t escalate the issue to the provider, which can cause a delay in care,” she warned.
Closing the health disparity gap
In response to these challenges, Owusu is actively working to close the health disparity gap for Black women. She provides resources on free clinics and emphasizes the importance of regular screenings during patient encounters. Partnering with her church, Manifest Church in Atlanta, she organizes health screenings and fairs to promote awareness and education.
Inspiring future generations
Owusu is also dedicated to inspiring the next generation of Black physicians. She provides mentorship to aspiring doctors and has launched a set of anatomy toys aimed at making medical topics accessible and engaging for children. Additionally, she authored a children’s book titled “Curious Rosie: A Trip to the Hospital,” to introduce young readers to the importance of health care.
“By starting to have these conversations at a younger age and introducing medical topics within science and making it fun, I think more kids will grow up to be more aware,” Owusu explained to Black Enterprise. “They won’t be afraid of going to the doctor, and it will make it a fun experience so they know it’s important to see a primary care doctor by the time they’re older.”
Addressing the disparities in STIs among Black women requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, access to culturally competent care and community engagement. Owusu’s work exemplifies the importance of these efforts in creating a healthier future for Black women and empowering the next generation of health care providers.
