Race and Health Disparities Among Seniors in Urban Areas in Brazil

    Authors

    A. J. Trujillo; J. A. Vernon; L. R. Wong;G. Angeles

    Comments

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    Abstract

    Objectives: This article examines racial health disparities among the elderly in Sao Paulo, Brazil. It also explores whether these disparities differ among income groups. Methods: The study follows the conceptual framework developed by LaVeist (1994). A multistage analysis and Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition are used to explore the sources of racial disparities in health. Results: White seniors report better health than Black seniors. This is the case even after controlling for baseline health conditions and several demographic, socioeconomic, and family support characteristics. Discussion: This article suggests that the two most important factors driving racial disparities in health among seniors are historical differences in rural living conditions and current income. Present economic conditions are more relevant to racial disparities among poor than among rich seniors. Racial differences in health not attributable to observable characteristics are more important when comparing individuals in the upper half of the income distribution.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Aging and Health

    Volume

    21

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-2009

    Document Type

    Article

    First Page

    3

    Last Page

    37

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000262814300001

    ISSN

    0898-2643

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