Patient-centered communication and its impact on minority health competence and outcomes in the United States

While patient-centered communication (PCC) has been recognized for its potential to enhance health and well-being, existing research presents mixed findings, partly due to limited attention to intermediary processes. Additionally, disparities in communication quality leave minority populations at a disadvantage, experiencing less effective communication and lower levels of patient-centeredness. This study addresses these gaps by examining how different PCC functions influence both general and mental health outcomes within minority populations. Furthermore, it investigates the role of health competence as a potential mediator, given its importance in navigating the healthcare system. This study used secondary data from four iterations spanning from 2011 to 2022 (HINTS 4 Cycle 1 - 2011, HINTS 5 Cycle 1 - 2017, HINTS 5 Cycle 4 - 2020, HINTS 6 Cycle 1 - 2022) with a sample size of n = 5501, focusing exclusively on individuals from minority racial backgrounds. The study used ANOVA, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regressions to investigate how different PCC functions and sociodemographic factors affect general health, health competence, and mental health within these populations. The present study revealed that PCC has varying impacts on the reporting of general and mental health within minority populations. Although we observed positive associations, they were not consistent across all the patients. In certain years, specific PCC dimensions demonstrated significant relationships with mental health, emphasizing their influence on mental well-being. Health competence emerged as a crucial mediator between PCC and health outcomes, particularly in terms of general health. This study provides valuable insights into the relationships between PCC and health competence and health outcomes among minority populations. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored healthcare approaches for minority populations, recognizing the multifaceted nature of healthcare interactions.