A Consideration of Mortality in Three Subcultures

THE IMPETUS for this particular consideration of differential mortality is the marked paucity of data relating to health characteristics of one of the major ethnic minorities in the United States-Mexican-Americans (Chicanos).Very little is known concerning incidence and prevalence of disease conditions in this population, a surprising circumstance in view of the fact that persons of Mexican-American descent comprise the second largest minority in the country and the largest minority group in the southwest (1). Paucity of Information about ChicanosThe following are probably the most important reasons for the lack of health information concerning this population.