Ethnogenetic layering (EL): an alternative to the traditional race model in human variation and health disparity studies.
BACKGROUND
Traditionally, studies in human biodiversity, disease risk, and health disparities have defined populations in the context of typological racial models. However, such racial models are often imprecise generalizations that fail to capture important local patterns of human biodiversity.


OBJECTIVE
More explicit, detailed, and integrated information on relevant geographic, environmental, cultural, genetic, historical, and demographic variables are needed to understand local group expressions of disease inequities. This paper details the methods used in ethnogenetic layering (EL), a non-typological alternative to the current reliance of the biological racial paradigm in public health, epidemiology, and biomedicine.


METHODS
EL is focused on geographically identified microethnic groups or MEGs, a more nuanced and sensitive level of analysis than race. Using the MEG level of analysis, EL reveals clinical variations, details the causes of health disparities, and provides a foundation for bioculturally effective intervention strategies. EL relies on computational approaches by using GIS-facilitated maps to produce horizontally stratified geographical regional profiles which are then stacked and evaluated vertically. Each horizontal digital map details local geographic variation in the attributes of a particular database; usually this includes data on local historical demography, genetic diversity, cultural patterns, and specific chronic disease risks (e.g. dietary and toxicological exposures). Horizontal visual display of these layered maps permits vertical analysis at various geographic hot spots.


CONCLUSIONS
From these analyses, geographical areas and their associated MEGs with highly correlated chronic disease risk factors can be identified and targeted for further study.
Jackson
F L C
FL
Genomic Models Research Group, Biological Anthropology Research Laboratory, Department of Anthropology, University of Maryland, Maryland 20742, USA. fatimah@umd.edu
D015982:Bias; D044822:Biodiversity; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000208:ethnology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015987:Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000208:ethnology*; D005828:Genetics, Population; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000145:classification; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012307:Risk Factors; D018511:Systems Integration; D014481:United States