American Indians and Alaska Natives in the United States face a significant disparity in life expectancy compared to official statistics. A recent study published in JAMA revealed that their average life expectancy of 72.7 years is much lower than the reported 78 years for the general population in the U.S. In fact, the life expectancy of American Indians and Alaska Natives is closer to that of individuals in countries like El Salvador, highlighting the significant health inequities faced by these communities.
The study shed light on the misclassification of race and ethnicity data on death certificates, revealing that 41% of American Indian and Alaska Native deaths were incorrectly labeled as “white.” This misreporting has led to a statistical invisibility of thousands of American Indians who have passed away but are not accurately reflected in vital statistics.
Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control, pairing mortality data with self-identification of race to provide a more accurate representation of health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native populations. By utilizing self-identification data, the study aimed to give agency back to individuals in defining their racial identity, rather than relying on external sources to categorize them.
The findings of the study highlighted a widening gap in life expectancy between American Indians and Alaska Natives and the broader U.S. population. Factors such as drug overdoses, diabetes, heart disease, and other causes were identified as contributing to this disparity. The study also revealed that older individuals, those living in urban areas outside reservations, and individuals with higher education levels were more likely to be misclassified on death certificates.
Siobhan Wescott, from the American Indian Health Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, praised the study for addressing a long-standing issue in Indigenous health research. The authors emphasized the need for more accurate reporting and data collection to better understand the health challenges faced by American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
Moving forward, researchers called for more comprehensive mortality linkages and research focusing on specific tribes to uncover the unique experiences within each community. Michael Bird, a study co-author and member of the Kewa Pueblo tribe, highlighted the importance of considering historical and cultural determinants of health in addition to social factors.
Ultimately, the study aims to spark conversations and raise awareness about the health disparities faced by Indigenous communities. By addressing the misclassification of race and ethnicity data, researchers hope to bring visibility to the experiences of American Indians and Alaska Natives and work towards improving health outcomes for these populations.
