Racial/ethnic variation in functional and self-reported health.

Abstract

We investigated whether racial/ethnic health disparities exist in Canada and whether socioeconomic or behavioral differences between racial/ ethnic minorities and nonminorities account for such disparities. We used data from the National Population Health Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada in 1996 and 1997. We used regression models to examine differences in functional and self-reported health. Our study found no association between socioeconomic or behavioral differences and racial/ethnic health disparities. There was no clear pattern between racial/ethnic minority status and health. The state can play an important role in health outcomes, and public commitment to accessible health care may explain why socioeconomic status and health behaviors are weak indicators of racial/ethnic health variation in Canada.