The use of ethnic identifiers in epidemiologic research

This paper attempts to identify issues surrounding the use of ethnic identifiers in epidemiologic research, with specific reference to First Nations and Inuit populations. Current controversies are examined and the rationale for diverging views explored, based on currently available literature and interviews with stakeholders. Examples of identifiers presently in use and data based on these identifiers are presented. Using illustrations from currently available data, the paper explores the hypothesis that ethnicity is often a proxy measure for other variables, such as socioeconomic status or environmental factors, and as such may lead to an unfocused public health response which fails to recognize the true risk factors for disease.