Ethnic ancestry, culture, identity, and health: using ethnic origin data from the 2001 Canadian census

This analytic paper explores the use of ethnic origin census data in policy- and practice-relevant health research. It begins with a definition of key terms, outlines the importance of ethnicity and health research, and provides a summary overview of the existing research literature. This is followe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian ethnic studies 2003-01, Vol.XXXV (1), p.84-112
Main Author: Rummens, Joanna Anneke
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ancestry
Canada
Censuses
Data analysis
Ethnic origin
Ethnicity
Health policy
Policy making
Population censuses
Race
Statistical data
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Summary:This analytic paper explores the use of ethnic origin census data in policy- and practice-relevant health research. It begins with a definition of key terms, outlines the importance of ethnicity and health research, and provides a summary overview of the existing research literature. This is followed by a review of the changing formulation and format of the 'ethnic origin' question itself through time, and a consideration of the implications thereof for data usage. The paper next examines the use of ethnic origin data in health research, considers data linkages with various health status indicators, and explores linkages with other health-related surveys; it also outlines the use of ethnic origin information in health policy development, programme planning, and service delivery. The discussion then turns to an identification of core issues, the provision of concrete suggestions for addressing the conceptual and methodological challenges identified, and the presentation of key recommendations for future directions. Reprinted by permission of the Canadian Ethnic Studies Association
ISSN:0008-3496