Health Risks among Enlisted Males in the U.S. Navy: Race and Ethnicity as Correlates of Hospital Admissions.
Abstract
To assess this risk, hospital admissions among Black and Caucasian enlisted males in the Navy between 1974 and 1979 were examined in a cross-sectional study. Age-adjusted rates for racial subgroups by year hospitalized, occupation, and education were calculated. Results indicate that the health status of Blacks has consistently improved such that, by 1979, there were no significant racial differences in total hospitalization rates. Significant racial group differences were discovered, however, in seven major diagnostic categories. Blacks were at greater risk of hospitalization for mental disorders, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, diseases of the genitourinary system, symptoms and ill-defined conditions, and supplementary classifications. Caucasians, on the other hand, were found to be at risk for diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, and accidents, poisonings and violence. The patterns of disease risk were attributed to differences in age, occupation, education, access to health care prior to entrance into the service, and cultural patterns relating to expectations, job satisfaction, and perception of stress.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA137249
Entities
People
- C. L. Colcord
- L. A. Palinkas
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center