A Longitudinal Study of Ethnicity and Disease Incidence

Abstract

Ethnic differences in the distribution of disease and injury have been attributed to a constellation of genetic, social, and cultural factors associated with ethnicity. In this paper I describe the results of a prospective study of ethnic group differences in rates of first hospitalization for all diseases and injuries among a cohort of U.S. Navy men who enlisted in 1974 and were followed for a six‐year period. Eight groups were defined on the basis of the self‐designated ethnic identity of each cohort member. Incidence rates were derived from all first hospitalizations during the follow‐up period and then grouped into 16 ICDA‐8 diagnostic categories. Results indicated that ethnic groups were not uniformly at risk for first hospitalizations in all disease categories, even when social environment, socioeconomic status, and access to medical care were held constant, and that the relationship between ethnicity and disease incidence differed with respect to each diagnostic category.

Ethnocultural influences in evaluation and management.

“…Individuals in lower socioeconomic classes have significantly higher rates of both morbidity and mortality when compared with upperclass individuals (Marmot et al, 1987). Low SES is associated with many health-risk problems, such as high levels of stress, unsafe occupations (entailing exposure to hazardous chemicals or conditions; Palinkas, 1987), obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking (Marmot et al, 1987). Because in some groups low SES is associated with ethnicity, it is important to attempt to delineate (if possible) ethnocultural and socioeconomic status effects.…”