Health and Racial Disparities: Importance of Accurate and Reliable Ethnicity, Race, and Language Data

Abstract

Introduction: Accurate demographic data are essential to identify and monitor differences, trends, and changes in diabetes-related conditions between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs). It also provides pertinent information to reduce health and racial disparities among English- and Spanish-speakers. Method: The study's design was a quantitative cross-sectional one. Electronic medical record (EMR) and survey data of the same sample were compared. Descriptive statistics were computed for ethnicity, preferred language, and physiological data. Frequency and percentages were calculated for each continuous and categorical variable. Chi-square was calculated to compare physiological variables by ethnicity and language. Results: During a 5-month period (September 2021–February 2022), 106 individuals from New York City with diabetes took part in this study. Among Hispanics, most from the EMR identified as Other (82.4%), whereas from the survey, most identified as White (57.1%). More Hispanics (19%) and Spanish speakers (18%) had high triglyceride levels compared to NHBs (2%) and English speakers (3%). Conclusion: Ensuring that demographic data are accurate can better inform programs. Because Hispanics and Spanish speakers had the highest triglyceride levels, diabetes programs need to include information on cardiovascular disease and must be available in Spanish, to further reduce risk factors, improve health outcomes, and promote health equity among these populations.