Friday, 10 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • đŸ”„
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Health and Wellness > Official US records underestimate Native Americans deaths and life expectancy, study finds
Health and Wellness

Official US records underestimate Native Americans deaths and life expectancy, study finds

Last updated: June 16, 2025 5:42 pm
Share
Official US records underestimate Native Americans deaths and life expectancy, study finds
SHARE

The disparities in mortality rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are much higher than previously reported in official vital statistics, according to a recent study led by a researcher from Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH). Published in JAMA, the study revealed that death certificates for over 41% of AI/AN individuals did not correctly identify them as such, with many being misreported as “white”.

This misclassification leads to a significant underestimation of AI/AN mortality rates, an overestimation of life expectancy, and a gross understatement of the mortality disparities between AI/AN individuals and the rest of the population. The study found that the actual life expectancy gap between AI/AN and the national average is 6.5 years, nearly three times larger than previously reported. This gap has been increasing over the years, reaching 8 years between 2017-2019.

The average life expectancy for AI/AN individuals over the 11-year study period was only 72.7 years, similar to countries like El Salvador and Bangladesh. The study also highlighted that AI/AN mortality rates were notably higher for young and middle-aged adults, as well as for those living both on and off reservations. Even AI/AN individuals with a college education experienced premature mortality compared to their non-AI/AN counterparts.

The leading causes of death contributing to the mortality gap between AI/AN individuals and the general population were heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The study, which analyzed data from the 2008 American Community Survey linked with mortality data, aimed to provide a more accurate representation of AI/AN mortality rates without the bias of underreporting race on death certificates.

See also  Could RFK Jr. loosen food industry's grip on federal policy?

Dr. Jacob Bor, the lead author of the study, emphasized the need for increased investment in AI/AN health and accurate public health data to address the existing health inequities. The historical trauma experienced by AI/AN communities, including forced assimilation, economic marginalization, and the loss of lands, continues to contribute to high rates of psychological distress, substance use, chronic illnesses, and injuries.

Study co-author Dr. Michael Bird, a member of the Kewa Pueblo tribe, highlighted the ongoing invisibility of AI/AN communities in public health data and the need for accurate data collection and collaboration with tribal communities to address these disparities. The researchers recommended measures such as training funeral directors to collect accurate race and ethnicity data and updating misclassification ratios in vital statistics to reflect the true mortality rates among AI/AN individuals.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing the health disparities faced by AI/AN communities and the necessity of accurate data collection to drive effective public health interventions. More research and collaboration with tribal communities are crucial to improving the health outcomes and life expectancy of AI/AN individuals.

TAGGED:AmericansDeathsexpectancyfindsLifeNativeofficialRecordsStudyunderestimate
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Review of early childhood education funding announced Review of early childhood education funding announced
Next Article Huma Abedin and Alex Soros Are Married! Inside Their Wedding at Home in Water Mill Huma Abedin and Alex Soros Are Married! Inside Their Wedding at Home in Water Mill
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Organized Hatred From Above – Econlib

The ongoing trade conflict between the United States and Canada—specifically between their respective governments—serves as…

March 11, 2025

Bella Hadid Wears Two Pairs of Capris in One Day

In a whirlwind of activity, Bella Hadid has made headlines in the last couple of…

October 2, 2025

FBI Investigating Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes’ Home Burglaries

The recent burglaries at the homes of NFL players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes have…

November 21, 2024

The Diné Weaver Who Turns Microchips Into Art 

ZF: Your work often incorporates mathematical concepts and geometric patterns. How do these elements influence…

May 26, 2025

Viral ‘American Idol’ contestant who kissed Katy Perry slapped with extreme conditions for release after child porn conviction: report

A disturbing case has emerged featuring a former contestant from “American Idol”. Benjamin Glaze, who…

September 30, 2025

You Might Also Like

Is Better Balance the Key to a Happier, Healthier Life?
Lifestyle

Is Better Balance the Key to a Happier, Healthier Life?

October 10, 2025
Important Study Skills for High School Students and How to Teach Them – The TPT Blog
Education

Important Study Skills for High School Students and How to Teach Them – The TPT Blog

October 10, 2025
No, circumcision doesn’t cause autism
Health and Wellness

No, circumcision doesn’t cause autism

October 10, 2025
Want multi-day battery life? Our tests prove these are the top phones
Tech and Science

Want multi-day battery life? Our tests prove these are the top phones

October 10, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?