Racial/Ethnic Health Disparity in the U.S.: A Decomposition Analysis

Following recent econometric developments, we use self-assessed general health on a Likert scale conditioned by several objective determinants to measure disparity between non-Hispanic Whites and minority groups in the United States. A statistical decomposition analysis is conducted determine contributions of socio-demographic neighborhood characteristics generating disparities. Whereas, 72% Blacks attributable Blacks’ relatively worse socio-economic demographic characteristics, it only 50% for Hispanics 65% American Indian Alaska Natives. The role number factors including per capita income inequality vary across groups. Interestingly, “blackness” county associated with better all groups, but affects negatively. Our findings suggest that public initiatives eliminate should be targeted differently different racial/ethnic focusing most vulnerable within each group.