 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Ralph Forquera, MPH, Maile Taualii, BA, and Alice Park, MPH. Seattle Indian Health Board, P.O. Box 3364, Seattle, WA 98114, 206-324-9360, ralphf@sihb.org
Background: A major obstacle for UIHPs is the lack of information about the target population. Although IHS has kept extensive records on Indian populations living on or near reservations, little attention has been given to gathering data on the urban Indian population. Objective: To describe the health status of AI/ANs residing in UIHP service areas. Methods: Utilizing the service areas (86 counties) served by UIHPs contracting with the IHS, we collected and analyzed data from the 2000 US Census and National Center for Health Statistics. Data includes population figures, poverty rates, educational attainment, employment status, family income, and mortality rates. Results: Nationally, 25.7% of AI/AN were living in poverty in 1999, compared to 12.4% for all races. AI/AN living in specific UIHP service areas (New York, Minneapolis, San Jose and Seattle) experience LBW rates significantly higher than for all races. AI/AN living in certain urban areas experience higher mortality rates compared to all races in the same area. For example AI/AN living in Helena Montana had the highest all cause mortality rate (1,510 compared to 852 per 100,000 for all races) in that area. These figures are particularly alarming considering the known racial misclassification of AI/AN, indicating these rates underestimate the actual mortality experienced by AI/AN. Conclusion: Although there is considerable variability in health status of AI/AN living in different urban areas, emerging themes of disparities are evident across the nation. The information provided in this study will equip advocates with meaningful data needed to address the shifting demographics and growing health needs of the urban AI/AN.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: American Indians, Health Disparities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.