See also Hispanic Health
Minority/Ethnic Health
Characteristics and prevalence of many diseases and health problems differ within varying minority and ethnic population. Minority and ethnic health is of great significance to the state of Arizona as 35.1% of Arizonans are considered to be members of a minority or ethnic population. 25.3% of Arizonans are Hispanic or Latino. 4.8% of Arizonans are American Indian. 3.1% are African American. 1.9% are Asian or Pacific Islander.1
Most minority populations in Arizona have a significantly higher death rate than the average rate of 772.5 deaths per 100,000 people. Only Asians and Pacific Islanders have death rates that usually fall below the state average.2 American Indians are more likely to die of Accidents and Diabetes than any other Arizona population. African Americans are more likely to die of cancer.3 HIV/AIDS rates for American Indians are on the rise. American Indians, African Americans, and Hispanics and Latinos have above average death rates for almost every leading cause of death among Arizonans.
Addressing the health discrepancies of among Arizonans is important due to the large differences between death rates among Arizona’s ethnic populations. In addition, minority and ethnic populations are less likely to have health insurance and access to health care. They are also less likely to possess the level of health literacy needed to understand care instructions, follow prescription labels, etc. Addressing these concerns has become a major focus of the state as well as nonprofit organizations.
