Health and Behavior Risks of Adolescents with Mixed-Race Identity

Citation

Udry, J. R.; Li, R. M.; & Hendrickson-Smith, J. (2003). Health and Behavior Risks of Adolescents with Mixed-Race Identity. American Journal of Public Health. vol. 93 (11) pp. 1865-1870

Abstract

Objectives. This study compared the health and risk status of adolescents who identify with 1 race with those identifying with more than 1 race.

Methods. Data are derived from self-reports of race, using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), which provides a large representative national sample of adolescents in grades 7 through 12. Respondents could report more than 1 race.

Results. Mixed-race adolescents showed higher risk when compared with single-race adolescents on general health questions, school experience, smoking and drinking, and other risk variables.

Conclusions. Adolescents who self-identify as more than 1 race are at higher health and behavior risks. The findings are compatible with interpreting the elevated risk of mixed race as associated with stress.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.93.11.1865

Keyword(s)

Racial/Ethnic Minorities & Health

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

American Journal of Public Health

Author(s)

Udry, J. R.
Li, R. M.
Hendrickson-Smith, J.

Year Published

2003

Volume Number

93

Issue Number

11

Pages

1865-1870

DOI

10.2105/AJPH.93.11.1865

Reference ID

216