Updated 6/2/08 by SB.

Age-Adjusted Death Rates per 100,000 Persons by Race & Hispanic Origin for Chronic Liver Disease & Cirrhosis: U.S., 2002

Analysis shows a strong correlation between death rates from liver cirrhosis, regardless of cause, and drinking levels nationwide. Consistent with this association, deaths from chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are about 4 times more prevalent among American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) than among the general US population. However Hispanics/Latinos are approximately twice as likely as whites to die from cirrhosis or liver disease, despite a lower prevalence of drinking and heavy drinking. (19)

The reason for this discrepancy is unclear. Evidence exists that Hispanics/Latinos tend to consume alcohol in higher quantities per drinking occasion than do whites, resulting in a higher cumulative dose of alcohol. Data from nationwide surveys of adults show that both current drinking (defined as consumption of 12 or more drinks in the past year) and heavy drinking are most prevalent among AI/ANs and Native Hawaiians and lowest among AAPIs.  (19)

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