ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the relevance of discrimination to health inequity in migrant health, and explores discrimination and the concept of implicit bias in primary health care. In the health literature there is little recognition of racism and racial discrimination as an ideology of both inferiority and superiority. The societal impact of discrimination is shown in a substantial loss in disability-adjusted life years due to discrimination. Discrimination can occur based on social identity characteristics such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious orientation, and disability status, in addition to race/ethnicity. The harmful health effects of discrimination across a range of mental health outcomes including depression, psychological distress, anxiety, and well-being have been well documented. Perceived discrimination has been linked to specific types of physical health problems, such as hypertension, self-reported poor health, and breast cancer, as well as for potential risk factors for disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and substance use.
