The U.S. Office of Management and Budget’s recent decision to add a “Middle Eastern or North African” (MENA) category to the U.S. Census could uncover previously hidden health disparities among this population. Historically grouped under the “white” category, MENA individuals have lacked representation in official statistics, masking potential inequalities in health outcomes and social determinants of health.
Public comments collected by the OMB highlighted maternal mortality and mental health as primary concerns for the MENA community. Epidemiologist Tiffany Kindratt of the University of Texas at Arlington notes that while health disparities are well-documented for other minority groups, little is known about the MENA population’s health status.
Data from other countries suggest that MENA communities may face higher rates of certain health issues compared to white populations. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto reported higher infection and hospitalization rates among Arab, Middle Eastern, and West Asian communities. Studies have also indicated elevated rates of heart disease, low infant birth weight, and depression among MENA individuals.
The new category will impact various national health surveys and funding allocations for programs like Medicaid and SNAP. It will also enable researchers to qualify for grants focused on racial and ethnic minority health, potentially leading to more comprehensive studies on MENA health outcomes.
See “New Census race category could reveal hidden health disparities” (August 1, 2024)
