Racial/Ethnic Variations in Causes of Mortality among 15-29 Year-Olds: Evidence from the 1993 National Mortality Followback Study

Daisy Fan, University of Texas at Austin

This study uses data from the 1993 National Mortality Followback Survey to examine racial/ethnic differences (African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and non-Hispanic whites) in the relative likelihood of death from external causes --specifically suicide, accident, and homicide-- as compared with death from other (mainly endogenous) causes, among 15-29 year-olds in the United States. The purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which structural factors and lifestyle factors (e.g., religious involvement, mental health problems, alcohol and drug abuse, risk-taking behaviors, firearm access, antisocial behaviors, etc.) may help to account for the observed racial/ethnic differentials in relative risk of external causes of death. Findings thus far suggest that compared to white descendants aged 15-29, Blacks and Hispanics exhibit lower odds of death from suicide, and higher odds of homicide relative to natural causes. Life style factors seem to account for part of the observed findings. Other implications are also discussed.