The Life-course of Native American Health Disparities: Evidence from Population-Wide Claims Data

• In Event: Sociology of Indigenous Peoples and Native Nations Section Roundtable

Abstract

The health disparities experienced by American Indian individuals are profound, resulting in significantly worse health outcomes compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. In this paper, we document the age trajectories of chronic health conditions by race, with a special focus on AI/AN health disparities across the life course. Using claims data for the full population of Utah, both urban and rural, from 2013 to 2015, our life-course analysis identifies the onset of these disparities, potential convergence, and crossover patterns over time. We find not only that American Indians face a large number of chronic conditions during their lifetime, but that these disparities emerge as early as the early 30s. These patterns vary by condition type (physical vs. mental health) and by gender, indicating different timing and trajectories of health disparities.

Authors

• Dominique Araya Vergara, Ohio State University

• Cynthia G. Colen, The Ohio State University

• Kurt Lavetti

• Trevon D. Logan, Ohio State University