By 2043, the United States is predicted to become a majority “minority” nation of Hispanics and other non-whites, including African Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and Asians/Pacific Islanders. By 2050, women of color will represent 53 percent of the total U.S. female population. Introduced in October 2014, by The Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health, the Women of Color Health Data Book, Fourth Edition, is the most up-to-date resource informing healthcare providers and researchers in biomedicine and health policy about the unique health features of women of color. This publication presents data on race/ethnicity and disease with relevant discussions of historical, cultural, and socio-/geo-demographic factors that affect the health status of women of color.
Certainly, women of color are not a singular group, as health is determined by a wide range of factors including biology, genetics, culture, behavior, and access to care. It is important for the health community to understand and recognize different patterns of health disparities and health determinants among stratified populations, such as within women of color. The Data Book also provides examples of sex differences within various cultures and people of color. Stratifying for women of color reveals notable patterns that affect health care delivery and research design.
Population of focus: women of color
Links to resource:
- View the full Data Book, Women of Color Health Data Book, Fourth Edition (pdf)
- Learn more about the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the NIH
Date: 2014