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Health inequities associated with skin color and ethnicity in Mexico

ABSTRACT In this paper we analyze differences in self-rated health and happiness according to skin color and ethnicity among Mexican adults. We explore possible factors contributing to these differences in health outcomes, including socioeconomic position, living conditions, and the perception of control over one’s own life. We analyzed the 2010 National Values Survey database (n = 15,693). Interviewers assessed and classified participants into one of five categories combining skin color and ethnicity: white, light brown, dark brown, Afro-descendant, or indigenous. Health outcomes were measured as self-rated health and happiness scales. Household socioeconomic position, neighborhood socioeconomic position, satisfaction of needs, and perceived control over life were considered as potential mediating variables. We observed that people classified as light brown and dark brown reported lower levels of self-rated health and happiness compared to people classified as whites. These differences were mainly due to socioeconomic position, living conditions, and perception of control over life. Afro-descendants also had lower levels of self-reported health. The results suggest that, in Mexico, there are health inequities associated with skin color and ethnicity. Although a significant proportion of these disparities are related to socioeconomic position, other processes may be involved (e.g. perception of control). Our findings can inform policies aimed to reduce racist disparities in health among the Mexican population.