Studies find that self-reported discrimination is related to a variety of health problems. This study investigates whether self-reported racial discrimination is related to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Blacks, Latinos, and Whites.

Discrimination was reported by 10% of whites, 57% of Blacks, and 24–31% of the Latino groups. These reports were associated with increased number of unhealthy days, disability days, and poor self-rated health, even after, controlling for education and other factors. This association did not consistently vary by race/ethnicity. Racial discrimination may be a risk factor for poor HRQoL among diverse groups. Future research should examine the factors that may reduce potential exposure to racial discrimination.​

Analyses focused on whites (n = 52,571), Blacks (n = 4,343), Mexicans (n = 12,336), Central Americans (n = 1,504), Multi-ethnic Latinos (n = 1,102), and Other Latinos (n = 1,828) who participated in the 2003 and 2005 California Health Interview survey. Logistic and negative binomial regression was used to examine the association between HRQoL (assessed with the CDC unhealthy days measures) and self-reported racial discrimination. 

Reports of discrimination, however, showed a clear gradient. Blacks (56.9%) reported the most discrimination and Whites (10.4%) reported the least. Latinos were intermediate. Central Americans, Mexicans, and Multi-ethnic Latinos did not statistically differ from one another (26.5–30.8%). Other Latinos, however, were significantly lower (24.0%).