Within the ten leading causes of death in Arkansas, the disparity ratio measures how much more likely death from a particular cause is expected to occur between different racial groups.  A higher disparity ratio indicates that a greater disparity exists.  In Arkansas, while Blacks and Whites have a similar likelihood of dying from Flu and Cancer, Blacks are twice as likely to die from Kidney Disease and Diabetes, and five times more likely to die from Homicide.

Leading Causes of Death by Black/White Disparity Ratio Arkansas

Most of the leading causes of death in Arkansas are chronic diseases and these occur at a higher rate in the state over the United States as a whole.  Two common health problems that lead to chronic diseases are obesity and high blood pressure and both of these are widespread in Arkansas.  Another factor which contributes to the high rate of chronic disease in Arkansas is the lack of a healthy lifestyle as evidenced by tobacco use, poor diet, and a lack of physical activity.