Discrimination Linked to Health Problems Among Minorities

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Discrimination against those of Chinese descent was not linked to either pain or respiratory problems, but was associated with heart disease. In contrast, discrimination against those of Vietnamese descent was linked to cardiovascular illness, respiratory disease, and pain issues. Filipinos appeared subject to respiratory and pain difficulties, the study said.

The study authors theorized that the differences among the three Asian groups might be explained, in part, by their differing historical and cultural backgrounds.

But in all cases, the association between discrimination and health did not seem to be influenced by age, education level, income level, job status, language ability, or a desire to view one's life in a positive light, the researchers said.

In view of the findings, the study authors suggested that efforts to bolster civil rights in the United States might not only strengthen the nation's democracy but also improve its health.

"Discrimination is associated with a lot of different health outcomes, from mental health problems like depression to substance use, tobacco use, and heart disease," Gee said. "So what's important is that we keep acknowledging that discrimination does occur and find ways to combat it as well as to continue policies that promote civil rights."

Stephen Thomas, director of the Center for Minority Health at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, said he was "surprised and encouraged" by the study authors' effort to highlight the negative impact that discrimination can have on health.

"The bottom line here is that well into the 21st century, race still matters," he said. "Even though the human genome project has basically concluded that genetically we're the same, the fact is that the way in which we look, the color of our skin, and the accent that we carry affects the way in which we are treated in the social environment of American society. And this impacts us in ways that can have detrimental effects on our health."

"So having evidence of this absolutely helps really bring the message home that we need to finish the work, so to speak, of the civil rights movement," Thomas added. "Because, for people to be suffering from premature illness and death related to exposure to discrimination is not acceptable."

More information

For more on race and health, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.