Native American Age at Death in the USA

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Demography

Background:

• Persistent disparities in mortality rates exist between Native Americans and other US populations.
• Public-use mortality data limitations hinder examination of contextual factors contributing to these disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between geographic location, causes of death, and age at death using restricted-use mortality microdata.
• To quantify the disparity in age at death between Native Americans and White Americans.

Main Methods:

• Utilized restricted-use mortality microdata for in-depth analysis.
• Examined correlations between geographic location, specific causes of death (diseases, homicide), and age at death.
• Analyzed the influence of White male-to-female ratios on Native American mortality.

Main Results:

• Native American women die, on average, 13 years earlier than White women; Native American men die 12 years earlier than White men.
• Mortality disparities are most significant in northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountain states.
• Native Americans die younger from diseases and homicide, particularly in counties with high White male-to-female ratios or increasing ratios over time.

Conclusions:

• Significant age-at-death disparities persist for Native Americans compared to White Americans.
• Geographic location and demographic factors like sex ratios are associated with increased mortality risks for Native Americans.
• Further research into contextual factors is crucial for addressing health inequities.