Race, Ethnicity, and Language Barriers in Health Surveys
Author Information
Author(s): Link Michael W, Mokdad Ali H, Stackhouse Herbert F, Flowers Nicole T
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
How do race, ethnicity, and linguistic isolation affect participation in public health surveillance surveys?
Conclusion
Participation rates in health surveys are significantly lower among racial and ethnic minorities and those who are linguistically isolated.
Supporting Evidence
- Counties with higher percentages of black residents had significantly lower participation rates.
- Response rates decreased by 4.6% in counties with the highest concentration of black residents.
- Counties with a larger percentage of Spanish-only speakers had response rates that were approximately 7% lower.
Takeaway
This study found that people from different races and those who don't speak English well are less likely to participate in health surveys, which means we might not get a complete picture of their health needs.
Methodology
The study used county-level data from the 2003 BRFSS survey and 2000 U.S. census to analyze participation rates based on race, ethnicity, and linguistic isolation.
Potential Biases
High correlation between race, ethnicity, and language variables limited the ability to separate their individual effects on survey participation.
Limitations
The analysis was limited to 1894 of 3141 counties due to sample size constraints and relied on aggregate data rather than individual-level data.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on racial and ethnic minorities, particularly black, Hispanic, and Asian populations, as well as those who are linguistically isolated.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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