Life Expectancy and COVID-19 Mortality Disparities Among Native American Older Adults in Wyoming
Author Information
Author(s): Siebecker Megan, Boateng Josephine, Fleet Alexa, Jansen Taylor, Dugan Elizabeth
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston
Hypothesis
Native American older adults in Wyoming experience significant disparities in life expectancy and COVID-19 mortality compared to non-Hispanic white older adults.
Conclusion
Native American older adults in Wyoming have a lower life expectancy and higher COVID-19 mortality rates compared to the state average.
Supporting Evidence
- Life expectancy rates in Fremont County are 5 years lower than the state average.
- COVID-19 mortality rate in Fremont County is 1.5 times higher than the state average.
- 56% of Native American older adults in Wyoming reside in Fremont County.
Takeaway
Native American older adults in Wyoming live shorter lives and are more likely to die from COVID-19 than other older adults in the state.
Methodology
The study used data from the US Census Bureau, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Wyoming Department of Health, employing small area estimation techniques and ArcGIS for analysis.
Potential Biases
Potential underrepresentation of Native American populations in health data.
Limitations
The study focuses only on Wyoming and may not be generalizable to other regions.
Participant Demographics
Native American older adults aged 55 and over in Wyoming, with a significant proportion residing in Fremont County.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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