The Bias of Medicine in Sickle Cell Disease

• Published in: Journal of general internal medicine : JGIM Vol. 38; no. 14; pp. 3247 - 3251
• Main Authors: Anderson, Daniela, Lien, Katie, Agwu, Chibueze, Ang, Phillip S., Abou Baker, Nabil
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-11-2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Anemia, Sickle Cell - diagnosis; Anemia, Sickle Cell - therapy; Bias; Health Personnel; Humans; Internal Medicine; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Patients; Perspective; Racism; Sickle cell disease; Social Stigma; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States - epidemiology; United States
• ISSN: 0884-8734; 1525-1497; 1525-1497
• DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08392-0

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common monogenetic condition in the United States (US) and one that has been subjected to a history of negative bias. Since SCD was first described approximately 120 years ago, the medical establishment has, directly and indirectly, harmed patients by reinforcing biases and assumptions about the disease. Furthermore, negative biases and stigmas have been levied upon patients with SCD by healthcare providers and society, researchers, and legislators. This article will explore the historical context of SCD in the US; discuss specific issues in care that lead to biases, social and self-stigma, inequities in access to care, and research funding; and highlight interventions over recent years that address racial biases and stigma.