Perspective - (2025) Volume 10, Issue 2
Received: 24-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. IPJHCC-25-24055; Editor assigned: 26-Mar-2025, Pre QC No. IPJHCC-25-24055; Reviewed: 07-Apr-2025, QC No. IPJHCC-25-24055; Revised: 15-Apr-2025, Manuscript No. IPJHCC-25-24055; Published: 22-Apr-2025, DOI: 10.36846/2472-1654-10.2.73
Healthcare communication involving marginalized youth remains a complex area shaped by social inequality, prior negative experiences, and structural limitations within health systems. A synthesis of qualitative findings across multiple studies reveals that communication effectiveness in this context depends strongly on perceived safety, relational consistency, and respect during interactions with healthcare providers. Meta-ethnographic interpretations of existing research highlight how young individuals from marginalized backgrounds often interpret healthcare encounters through previous experiences of exclusion, judgment, or misunderstanding.
Studies included in qualitative syntheses show that trust develops gradually rather than immediately. For marginalized youth, trust is often built through repeated positive interactions rather than single encounters. Consistency in provider behavior, respectful language, and attentive listening are frequently identified as influential factors. When healthcare professionals demonstrate patience and avoid rushed interactions, young individuals are more likely to share personal experiences that may be relevant to their health conditions. Conversely, perceived judgment or impatience can reinforce withdrawal and reduce future engagement.
Language use within healthcare interactions also plays a significant role in shaping communication outcomes. Medical terminology that is not clearly explained can create confusion and disengagement among young patients. Studies indicate that simplified explanations combined with respectful dialogue improve comprehension and participation. However, communication that is overly simplified without respect for the young person’s capacity to understand can also be perceived as dismissive. Therefore, balanced communication that respects both clarity and dignity is frequently associated with more positive engagement.
Confidentiality is frequently cited as a significant concern among marginalized youth. Fear that personal information may be shared without consent or misunderstood by others can limit disclosure during consultations. Clear explanations regarding privacy boundaries and data handling practices help reduce uncertainty and support more open communication. However, inconsistent explanations or lack of clarity about confidentiality rules can lead to continued hesitation in sharing personal information.
Digital communication platforms have also been explored as alternative engagement channels for marginalized youth. Online messaging systems, telehealth consultations, and mobile health applications provide additional opportunities for interaction outside traditional clinical environments. Some young individuals report feeling more comfortable expressing concerns through digital platforms due to reduced face-to-face pressure. However, access to technology and digital literacy remain uneven, which can limit the effectiveness of these communication channels for certain groups.
Time constraints within healthcare settings also affect communication quality. Short consultation periods may limit opportunities for young individuals to express concerns fully. When consultations are rushed, important contextual information may remain undisclosed. Longer or flexible consultation times are associated with improved communication outcomes, particularly for individuals requiring additional support in expressing their concerns.
The synthesis of qualitative findings suggests that improving communication with marginalized youth requires attention to relational continuity, respectful dialogue, clear explanations, and awareness of social context. While structural challenges within healthcare systems influence communication patterns, individual interactions remain a significant determinant of engagement quality. These interactions contribute to more effective healthcare experiences for young people who may otherwise face barriers to accessing and utilizing health services.
Citation: Kageyori O (2025). Building Trust in Marginalized Youth Healthcare Communication. J Health Commun. 10:73.
Copyright: © 2025 Kageyori O. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
