Changes in Population Characteristics and Public Health Research
Author Information
Author(s): Du Ping, Coles F Bruce, O'Campo Patricia, McNutt Louise-Anne
Primary Institution: Division of Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health
Hypothesis
Do population characteristics remain static over time, and how do shifts impact public health research?
Conclusion
The study found significant changes in population characteristics in New York State from 1990 to 2000, leading to increased disparities in demographics and socioeconomic status.
Supporting Evidence
- Population size in New York State increased by 2.8% from 1990 to 2000.
- The non-Hispanic African-American population grew by 10% or more in 152 census tracts.
- Income inequality increased, as indicated by a rising Gini coefficient.
Takeaway
This study looked at how the people living in New York changed between 1990 and 2000, showing that some areas got bigger while others got smaller, and that there were more differences in income and education.
Methodology
The study analyzed census data from 1990 and 2000, comparing population characteristics across 2,622 census tracts in New York State, excluding New York City.
Potential Biases
Potential undercounting of minority populations in census data may affect the accuracy of observed changes.
Limitations
The study faced challenges due to changes in census tract boundaries, which complicated comparisons over time.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on census tracts in New York State, analyzing demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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