AIAN people face significant health disparities compared to their White counterparts. Life expectancy at birth for American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) individuals is lower, averaging 70.1 years versus 78.4 years for White individuals. This gap widened from 7 years in 2019 to 8.3 years in 2023, largely due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health issues are also more prevalent among AIAN adults. Around 26% report their health as fair or poor, compared to 17% of White adults. Mental health challenges are evident as well, with 22% of AIAN adults experiencing 14 or more mentally unhealthy days each month, compared to 15% for White individuals.
Pregnancy and infant health outcomes are concerning for AIAN communities. The rate of preterm births among AIAN individuals is 12%, which is higher than the 9% seen in White individuals. Furthermore, AIAN infants face a mortality risk almost double that of White infants, with rates of 9.2 per 1,000 live births compared to 4.5.
Chronic diseases are more common in AIAN populations. For example, 15% of AIAN adults have asthma versus 10% of White adults. Diabetes is particularly alarming, affecting 18% of AIAN adults compared to 11% of White adults. This disparity is partially attributed to historical dislocation and changes in diet. Notably, AIAN individuals are twice as likely to die from diabetes compared to White individuals.
Research shows geographic differences in health outcomes among AIAN populations. For instance, deaths due to diabetes can vary significantly by region, from 19.6 per 100,000 in the Northeast to 54.1 in the Midwest. This variation suggests that local healthcare access and lifestyle factors play critical roles in health outcomes.
The rates of HIV and AIDS also pose a significant public health concern. In 2022, AIAN individuals were diagnosed at a rate of 10.6 per 100,000, compared to 5.3 for White individuals, highlighting disparities in healthcare access and treatment.
Cancer rates show a mixed picture. Overall, AIAN individuals have lower cancer incidence rates than White individuals, except for colon and rectal cancer, where the rates are higher (43.3 vs. 36 per 100,000). It’s essential to note, as per the American Cancer Society, AIAN people have the highest liver cancer incidence among all racial groups.
Tragically, suicide rates are alarmingly high among AIAN populations. In 2023, deaths by suicide for AIAN individuals reached 23.8 per 100,000, compared to 17.6 for White individuals. The rate among AIAN adolescents is particularly alarming, as it’s the highest across all racial groups. Factors contributing to this crisis include historical trauma and mental health challenges stemming from adverse childhood experiences.
Substance use disorders are also prevalent. Approximately 27% of AIAN individuals report experiencing substance use issues, compared to 19% of White individuals. The opioid crisis is particularly dire within this community, with AIAN people having the highest rates of drug overdose deaths.
To summarize, the health challenges faced by AIAN individuals are multifaceted and deeply rooted in historical contexts. Addressing these disparities is essential for improving health outcomes and ensuring equity in healthcare access.
For more insights on health disparities, you may refer to the CDC’s data on health outcomes up to 2023.
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Access to Care,American Indian or Alaska Native,Demographics,Health Status,Race/Ethnicity
