UPDATE: New findings from the Arkansas Health Survey reveal that a staggering 24.1% of adult Arkansans used tobacco in the last 30 days, significantly exceeding the national average of 18%, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This alarming statistic underscores an urgent public health crisis impacting the state now more than ever.
Michael Niño, associate professor of sociology and criminology at the University of Arkansas, who led the survey, stated, “Tobacco use remains one of the most urgent public health challenges facing Arkansas.” With tobacco being the leading cause of preventable death and disease, the implications are dire. Each year, tobacco costs Arkansas’s health care system over $1 billion, contributing to chronic conditions such as stroke, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses.
The Arkansas Health Survey is the largest and most comprehensive health survey conducted in the state’s history, gathering nearly 10,000 responses and providing valuable insights into physical and mental health across all 832 census tracts in Arkansas. Researchers can analyze over 30 different health indicators, including obesity, alcohol abuse, and depression, which allows for a nuanced understanding of health issues throughout the state.
The report reveals concerning patterns: in 12 counties, tobacco usage rates exceeded 28% in the past month. Moreover, 166 census tracts also exhibited elevated tobacco use rates, many of which are situated outside the counties originally identified as having the highest prevalence. This localized data is critical as it highlights communities that may have been overlooked in broader studies.
Ben Amick, co-principal investigator and associate dean for research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), emphasized, “These data show us not only the overall burden but also where that burden is most concentrated.” Accurate data is vital for targeting interventions that can make a difference in these high-prevalence areas.
Craig Wilson, president and CEO of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, added, “Accurate data is absolutely critical in targeting interventions.” The Arkansas Health Survey provides a foundation for building healthier communities and enables policymakers, clinicians, and community organizations to customize prevention and education campaigns tailored to local populations.
Annual updates of this crucial survey will allow state and community leaders to evaluate progress over time. In the coming months, Niño and his team will release additional reports, further shedding light on Arkansas’s health challenges. By early 2026, interactive maps from the survey will be made available online through the AR-COMPASS dashboard, providing ongoing insights into community health trends.
This urgent update on Arkansas’s tobacco use highlights the need for immediate action to combat this public health crisis. The findings not only serve as a wake-up call but also pave the way for targeted strategies to reduce tobacco usage and improve health outcomes across the state. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as lives are at stake, and effective interventions are needed now more than ever.
