Abstract
The objectives of this study were to: (1) calculate age-specific and age-adjusted cause-specific mortality rates for Arab
Americans; and (2) compare these rates with those for blacks and whites. Mortality rates were estimated using Michigan death
certificate data, an Arab surname and first name list, and 2000 U.S. Census data. Age-specific rates, age-adjusted all-cause
and cause-specific rates were calculated. Arab Americans (75+) had higher mortality rates than whites and blacks. Among men,
all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates for Arab Americans were in the range of whites and blacks. However, Arab American
men had lower mortality rates from cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease compared to both whites and blacks. Among
women, Arab Americans had lower mortality rates from heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes than whites and blacks. Arab
Americans are growing in number. Future study should focus on designing rigorous separate analyses for this population.
Americans; and (2) compare these rates with those for blacks and whites. Mortality rates were estimated using Michigan death
certificate data, an Arab surname and first name list, and 2000 U.S. Census data. Age-specific rates, age-adjusted all-cause
and cause-specific rates were calculated. Arab Americans (75+) had higher mortality rates than whites and blacks. Among men,
all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates for Arab Americans were in the range of whites and blacks. However, Arab American
men had lower mortality rates from cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease compared to both whites and blacks. Among
women, Arab Americans had lower mortality rates from heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes than whites and blacks. Arab
Americans are growing in number. Future study should focus on designing rigorous separate analyses for this population.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9441-1
- Authors
- Florence J. Dallo, Department of Wellness, Health Promotion and Injury Prevention, School of Health Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309-4482, USA
- Kendra Schwartz, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
- Julie J. Ruterbusch, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
- Jason Booza, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
- David R. Williams, School of Public Health and Department of African and African American Studies, Harvard University, Boston, MA USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912