Mapping the expressions and impacts of racism on health in Brazil: a scoping review.

Abstract

We conducted a scoping review to examine how racism affects the health of minoritized populations in Brazil. A comprehensive search was carried out, and identified articles underwent independent double screening. The 145 included studies consistently highlighted structural health inequities, with White advantage functioning as a protective factor. Institutional racism restricts healthcare access and availability, exacerbating minoritized populations' vulnerability to violence and disease through discrimination and substandard care. Spatial segregation further exposes minoritized populations to harmful environmental conditions and limited infrastructure, while traditional and migrant communities experience marginalization, social isolation, increased disease exposure, and poorer livelihoods. Interpersonal racism negatively impacts mental and physical health across the lifespan, with gender and socioeconomic conditions intersecting and shaping these experiences. The study provides critical insights for practice, policy, and research by demonstrating how racism at multiple levels shapes health inequities in Brazil and by emphasizing the need for human rights-centred, redistributive interventions that promote justice, equity, and inclusive care for minoritized populations. Funding: This publication was funded by Edital 02/2025-PRPPG/UFBA (Scientific Publications Support Program) and by the CNPq Productivity in Research Scholarship (process number 306359/2024-3).