Change and continuity in health inequities related to skin color in Mexico

Abstract

We analyzed changes in disparities associated with ethnicity and skin color in lack of access to food and health in the Mexican adult population between 2002 and 2012 through the World Values Survey (WVS) databases, period during which disparities in life satisfaction decreased. In both years it was observed that, compared to whites, among dark and light brown people, the perception of poor and fair health status was more frequent. In 2012, the experience of food insecurity was more frequent among dark brown people; in addition, access to health services was lower among light and dark brown and indigenous people. These results show the need for policies aimed at reducing racist health disparities in Mexico, which not only affect indigenous people, but also dark brown people.

Keywords

• ethnicity
• happiness
• food
• race and health
• racism