Document Type

Article

Abstract

The Indian Health Service (IHS) publication, ""Regional Differences in Indian Health,"" attempts to fulfill the basic statistical information requirements of parties interested in the IHS, and its relationship with the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. This publication provides regional information on the health status of American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) based on data from 12 IHS regional administrative units called Area Offices. The publication contains tables and charts describing the Indian Health Service program and the health status of AI/ANs residing in the IHS service area. The IHS service area consists of counties on and near federal Indian reservations. The Indians residing in the service area comprise about 60% of all Indians residing in the U.S. Information pertaining to the structure, AI/AN demography, patient care, and community health are included in this publication. Historical trends are depicted, and comparisons to other population groups are made, when appropriate. Historical trend information can be found in the IHS companion publication called ""Trends in Indian Health."" The tables and charts are grouped into five major categories: 1) IHS Structure; 2) Population Statistics; 3) Natality and Infant/Maternal Mortality Statistics; 4) General Mortality Statistics; and 5) Patient Care Statistics. The tables provide detailed data while the charts show significant relationships. A table and its corresponding chart appear next to each other. However, some charts that are self-explanatory do not have a corresponding table. Also, a table may have more than one chart associated with it. The IHS has the responsibility to provide comprehensive health services to AI/AN people in order to elevate their health status to the highest possible level. This publication provides a valuable source of information to carry out that responsibility.

Publication Date

1998

Publisher

Indian Health Service, Staff Office of Planning, Evaluation and Research, Division of Program Statistics, Rockville, MD 20857.

COinS