DISP-28. Perceived Discrimination and Delay in Seeking Neurosurgical Care in Minority Patients

BACKGROUND Sociological factors such as perceived discrimination may contribute to delayed healthcare access, particularly in minority communities requiring specialized care like neurosurgery. OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between perceived discrimination and delays in seeking neurosurgical care among African American and Hispanic patients. METHODS A mixed-methods study of 50 patients requiring elective neurosurgical intervention was conducted. Participants completed the Everyday Discrimination Scale and were interviewed about healthcare-seeking behavior. Time from symptom onset to neurosurgical consult was recorded. RESULTS Patients with higher perceived discrimination scores experienced significantly longer delays from symptom onset to neurosurgical evaluation (mean delay = 4.3 months vs. 2.1 months; p < 0.05). Qualitative themes included mistrust of medical providers and prior negative healthcare experiences. CONCLUSION Perceived discrimination may be a barrier to timely neurosurgical care in minority populations. Addressing systemic bias and fostering cultural competence are essential to improving equity in neurosurgical access. KEYWORDS Health Disparities, Discrimination, Access to Care, Neurosurgery