title: Important considerations in the use of ethnicity as a study variable.
abstract: Ethnicity is widely used as a study variable by community health researchers. However, there is little consistency in the definition of ethnicity and the process by which ethnicity is assigned. Potential problems in the use of ethnicity as a study variable are discussed as well as suggestions for improvements.
authors.affiliation: Ottawa-Carleton Health Department, Ontario.
authors.forename: N C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D003153:Community Health Services; D005006:Ethnicity; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012107:Research Design; D012494:Sampling Studies