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INDIAN POPULATION

ISSUE

The 2005-2007 Current Population Survey revealed that the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population has larger families, less health insurance (the number of AI/ANs without health insurance is over double that for U.S. all races), and a poverty level nearly twice that of the rest of the population.

BACKGROUND

Between 1990 and 2008, the U.S. AI/AN population increased by 65% from 2.0 to 3.3 million (AI/AN alone; bridged 2000 census). The Indian Health Service (IHS) service area population comprises approximately 57% of the U.S. Indian population, and increases at a rate of approximately 2.0% per year.

The increase in the IHS service population is the result of natural increase (births minus deaths) and the expansion of the IHS service delivery area, as the result of the federal recognition of Tribes. The 2000 Census showed that 57% of the Indian population resides in urban areas (population in urbanized areas and in incorporated and census designated places of 2,500 or more outside urbanized areas). The remaining 43% of the Indian population resides in rural areas.

SITUATION

When compared to the U.S. All Races, the AI/AN population lags behind in several areas. The 2000 Census data reveal that Indians have lower educational levels and higher unemployment rates. The AI/AN population is a young population. The approximate median age of the Indian population is 25 years compared with 35 years for the U.S. All Races. The Indian population served by the IHS is living longer than it did 30 or even 20 years ago. Statistics on age at death show that during 1972-1974, life expectancy at birth for the Indian population was about 63.6 years. Life expectancy has now increased to 72.3 years (1999-2001). Diseases of the heart, malignant neoplasm, unintentional injuries, diabetes mellitus, and cerebrovascular disease are the five leading causes of Indian deaths (2002-2004).

OPTIONS/PLANS

The IHS will continue to monitor the health status of the population for which IHS, tribal, and urban Indian health priorities are identified. The IHS patient care data, vital event (birth and death) data from the National Center for Health Statistics, and 2000 Census data will be used to monitor health status and to publish reports. These demographic and socio-economic statistical data will be used to develop and coordinate various health and socio-economic partnerships.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For referral to the appropriate spokesperson, contact the IHS Public Affairs Staff at 301-443-3593.

June 2009