Defining ethnicity

Ethnicity and culture are socially determined variables of limited use in biological research, though they are useful in health services research. All the variables are confounded by socioeconomic status.

Try to use accurate descriptions of race, ethnicity, and culture rather than catch all terms in common use. In the methods section of research papers describe the logic behind any ethnic groupings used.

It is best to present a range of information including:

• genetic differences
• self assigned ethnicity, using nationally agreed guidelines
• observer assigned ethnicity
• country or area of birth (participant's own, or parents' or grandparents' if applicable)
• years in country of residence
• religion.