A Comprehensive Analysis of the Mortality of Hispanic Subgroups in the United States

• In Event: 326 - Regular Session. Trends and Differentials in Population Health

Abstract

The Hispanic Paradox refers to favorable health and mortality experience of the Hispanic origin population in the United States in comparison to the more socioeconomically advantaged non-Hispanic white population. The panethnic category “Hispanic” conceals considerable variation in by country of origin, place of birth, and immigration experience. The current analysis examines adult mortality differentials among 12 Hispanic subgroups by region of origin and nativity, and non-Hispanic whites. We use the National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality Files pooled 1990-2009 to obtain sufficient sample of each subgroup to calculate mortality estimates. We find that among adults aged 65 and above, nearly all Hispanic subgroups experience lower adult mortality risks than non-Hispanic whites. There is wide variation across Hispanic subgroups. For each region of origin, the foreign-born subgroup has lower mortality risk than the US-born subgroup. The most favorable outcomes occur for foreign-born Mexicans, Central/ South Americans, Dominicans, and other Hispanics. Our results complicate the traditional formulation of the Hispanic Paradox and cast doubt on the singularity of the mortality experience of those of Hispanic origin.

Authors

• Andrew Fenelon, University of Maryland

• Juanita J. Chinn, National Center for Health Statistics