Introduction

When we walk into a hospital or clinic, we expect to receive the best care possible, regardless of where we come from, how we look, or what we believe. But sometimes, hidden biases and stereotypes—whether we realize it or not—can quietly influence how healthcare is delivered in Nigeria.

In a country as richly diverse as ours, addressing cultural competence in healthcare isn’t just a 'nice to have'—it's essential. Let's break it down:

How Bias Shows Up in Healthcare

1. When Healthcare Workers Are Biased Against Patients

Sadly, sometimes healthcare providers let personal prejudices sneak into their work. Here are a few common examples many Nigerians might recognize:

- Ethnic Bias: Thinking that patients from certain tribes are exaggerating their pain or are 'difficult.'

- Class Bias: Judging a patient who isn’t dressed well as poor or ignorant.

- Gender Bias: Dismissing women’s health complaints, especially around pain or mental health.

- Ageism: Ignoring elderly patients’ symptoms as just 'old age wahala.'

- HIV Stigma: Treating people living with HIV differently, or even avoiding them altogether.

What’s the damage?

Misdiagnosis, poor communication, loss of trust, and patients walking away from their treatment—all leading to deeper health gaps in our communities.

2. When Patients Hold Bias Against Healthcare Workers

It’s not just healthcare workers who are guilty—patients can be biased too!

- Age and Gender Bias: Preferring an older or male doctor, thinking they're automatically 'more experienced.'

- Ethnic or Religious Bias: Feeling uncomfortable receiving care from someone outside your tribe or faith.

- Distrusting Locum Staff: Assuming temporary healthcare workers are not up to standard.

- Mental Health Stigma: Seeing psychiatric doctors as 'lesser' professionals.

The result?

Missed opportunities for good care, unhappy patients, stressed-out doctors and nurses, and broken trust in the healthcare system.

3. Bias Among Healthcare Professionals     Themselves

Inside the hospital walls, bias can also poison the work environment:

- Hierarchy Problems: Doctors looking down on nurses or community health workers.

- Gender Discrimination: Believing that leadership is 'a man’s job.'

- Ethnic Favoritism: Only promoting or favoring people from a certain tribe.

- Education Snobbery: Valuing some universities over others when hiring or promoting.

Why it matters:

Poor teamwork, low morale, brain drain, and ultimately, poorer care for patients.

How Can We Fix It?

For Healthcare Workers:

- Check Yourself: Be aware of your own biases. Take an unconscious bias test—you might be surprised!

- Cultural Competence Training: Learn about different Nigerian cultures and beliefs. Our diversity should be our strength.

- Treat People as Individuals: No two patients are the same. Listen actively and avoid making assumptions.

- Stick to Evidence: Follow clinical guidelines, not stereotypes.

For Hospitals and Clinics:

- Fair Hiring Practices: Skills over tribe, gender, or school.

- Diversity Programs: Regular workshops on inclusion and respect.

- Patient Feedback Systems: Let patients anonymously report discrimination.

- Build Stronger Teams: Encourage friendships across backgrounds.

For Patients:

- Trust Professionals: Your doctor or nurse’s age, tribe, or gender doesn’t define their competence.

- Speak Up: If you experience bias, report it respectfully.

- Know Your Rights: Every Nigerian deserves quality healthcare, no matter what.

Final Thoughts: Time for a Healthcare Revolution

Bias and stereotypes are like termites—small but dangerous if left unchecked. Fixing them will take effort from every corner of our healthcare system: doctors, nurses, administrators, and yes, even we the patients.

Nigeria’s diversity is not a weakness—it’s our superpower. Let’s make sure our healthcare system reflects that, by treating everyone with dignity, fairness, and understanding.

A better, bias-free healthcare system is possible. It starts with you. It starts with me. It starts now.