T A LaVeist1. 1. Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This article addresses the definitional and methodological problems associated with the most common uses of race as a variable in health research. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Although often used in health services research, race is a poorly understood concept because it lacks conceptual clarity. Moreover, the measurement problems with race have not yet been adequately addressed. As a result, many quantitative models that attempt to explain race differences are inadequate to inform health or social policy. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers should treat the race variable with the same degree of caution and skepticism with which it treats any other variable.
OBJECTIVE: This article addresses the definitional and methodological problems associated with the most common uses of race as a variable in health research. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Although often used in health services research, race is a poorly understood concept because it lacks conceptual clarity. Moreover, the measurement problems with race have not yet been adequately addressed. As a result, many quantitative models that attempt to explain race differences are inadequate to inform health or social policy. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers should treat the race variable with the same degree of caution and skepticism with which it treats any other variable.
Authors: B L Kasiske; J F Neylan; R R Riggio; G M Danovitch; L Kahana; S R Alexander; M G White Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 1991-01-31 Impact factor: 91.245