Vital and health statistical systems have a long history of collecting data on race and ethnicity. This information identifies differences in health status and health care utilization between large segments of the United States population, suggests areas where interventions might reduce differentials, and leads to hypotheses concerning the causal factors that may underlie the differences. Trend data on differentials in health status by race and ethnicity are particularly important. The changes in the standards for collecting information on race/ethnicity that are being implemented were instituted to allow for more accurate descriptions of current conditions; they will also affect our ability to monitor trends in crucial health and health related dimensions across race/ethnic groups. In addition, as different systems adopt the new standards at different times, it will be more difficult to use data across systems as will be the case for calculation of rates which use Census estimates for the denominators but other systems for numerators. This paper discusses the potential impact on health surveys of the new recommendations and changes we are making to our surveys to meet the recommendations. We will also discuss the work that is being done or being planned to facilitate the transitions into the new standards.
Learning Objectives: 1) Impact of new OMB recommendations on race/ethnicity on NCHS surveys and Healthy People 2010 objectives; 2) how NCHS/CDC plans to facilitate the transitions into the new standards; and 3) challenges of maintaining trend lines within systems and possible methods to adjust for differentials
Keywords: Survey, Statistics
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.