Racial Differences in Health: Not Just Black and White, But Shades of Gray

摘要: Explanations for racial/ethnic disparities in health are varied and complex. This paper reviews the literature to assess extent which current a consequence of racial differences social class composition US population. We focus this review on African Americans examine studies that provide information effect race four outcome measures: infant mortality, hypertension, substance use, mortality from all-causes. Twenty-three were identified met criteria inclusion review. As expected, most evidence socioeconomic conditions major factor explaining health. Findings, however, vary different indices. Research area abuse provides consistent account observed differences. In contrast, hypertension compelling case effects status important, but not sufficient explain Evidence all-causes is equally divided between showing no significant those persist after adjusting class. The offers possible explanations seemingly divergent results identifies conceptual methodologic issues future research seeking disentangle complex relations race, class,