Jennifer D Parker1, Jennifer H Madans. 1. Office of Analysis, Epidemiology, and Health Promotion, National Center for Health Statistics, Hyattsville, Md 20782, USA. jdparker@cdc.gov
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Race-specific health statistics are routinely reported in scientific publications; most describe health disparities across groups. Census 2000 showed that 2.4% of the US population identifies with more than 1 race group. We examined the hypothesis that multiple-race reporting is associated with interracial births by comparing parental race reported on birth certificates with reported race in a national health survey. METHODS: US natality data from 1968 through 1998 and National Health Interview Survey data from 1990 through 1998 were compared, by year of birth. RESULTS: Overall multiple-race survey responses correspond to expectations from interracial births. However, there are discrepancies for specific multiple-race combinations. CONCLUSIONS: Projected estimates of the multiple-race population can be only partially informed by vital records.
OBJECTIVES: Race-specific health statistics are routinely reported in scientific publications; most describe health disparities across groups. Census 2000 showed that 2.4% of the US population identifies with more than 1 race group. We examined the hypothesis that multiple-race reporting is associated with interracial births by comparing parental race reported on birth certificates with reported race in a national health survey. METHODS: US natality data from 1968 through 1998 and National Health Interview Survey data from 1990 through 1998 were compared, by year of birth. RESULTS: Overall multiple-race survey responses correspond to expectations from interracial births. However, there are discrepancies for specific multiple-race combinations. CONCLUSIONS: Projected estimates of the multiple-race population can be only partially informed by vital records.
Authors: H M Rosenberg; J D Maurer; P D Sorlie; N J Johnson; M F MacDorman; D L Hoyert; J F Spitler; C Scott Journal: Vital Health Stat 2 Date: 1999-09