Mortality Among Persons Who Self-Identify as American Indian or Alaska Native: A National Study

This project has two research aims: 1) estimate age-specific mortality and life expectancy rates for American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and assess trends between 2009 and 2019 compared to other racial groups; and 2) identify social factors that could be influencing high mortality rates among AI/AN compared to other racial groups. Using data from the Mortality Disparities in American Communities (MDAC) study database, which links data between the 2008 American Community Survey (ACS) and the National Death Index (NDI), this project will include a data analyses phase and a dissemination of findings phase. The research team will estimate mortality and life expectancy rates and trends for AI/AN and compare them to other racial groups. These data will then be analyzed along the following variables: education, income, occupation, sex, age, insurance status, living on/off a reservation, and county of residence, to identify what factors could be contributing to the disparities between AI/AN and other racial groups.