Racial Misclassification of American Indian and Alaskan Natives on Death Certificates in the United States: Report for National Network of Public Health Institutes.

Authors

Melanie Nadeau, University of North DakotaFollow
Amber Lyon-Colbert, University of North DakotaFollow
Maycee Carter
Keona Manuelito
Mikalen Belgarde
Roselle Martin

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

10-2024

Abstract

Racial misclassification is a persistent issue among American Indian and Alaskan Natives who are grossly misrepresented in death. Training is needed for those who report race on death certificates (i.e., funeral directors) so that health and mortality data is accurately reported. An environmental scan of existing resources, literature, and training opportunities was completed in order to understand the current knowledge as well as gaps in racial reporting on death certificates. Racial misclassification is a major barrier to accurate health data for AI/AN populations. It is estimated that approximately 20% of sampled AI/AN individuals were misclassified on their death certificates. Additionally there is a significant lack of tribe specific reporting for AI/AN individuals.

Recommended Citation

Nadeau, M., Colbert-Lyon, A., Carter, M., Manuelito, K. Belgarde, M., & Martin, R. (2024). Racial Misclassification of American Indian and Alaskan Natives on Death Certificates in the United States. Report for National Network of Public Health Institutes.