With a decreased income and inadequacy in meeting basic needs evident, one-third of African Americans fall below the federal income poverty level. The African American population has several lifestyle factors that pose many health risks. A diet of high fats can lead to obesity and high serum cholesterol level. Hypertension High blood pressure is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. With the exception of measles, The incidence of infectious diseases among the African American population in Michigan is the highest of all populations of color.
All statistics are Michigan residents only.
The estimates of race and Hispanic origin from 1990 to 1996 were prepared by the Census Bureau and released on December 18, 1997. These race categories are defined by the Office of Management and Budget for implementing federal programs and are taken from the Definitions and Subject characteristics of the U.S. Census Bureau's summary tape File documentation. 2 Adequacy of prenatal care is based on the Kessner Index. Infant deaths are deaths occurring to individuals less than I year of age.