Tajuddin SM, et al. - The relationship amongst red cell distribution width (RDW) and overall and cause-specific mortality risk and to recognize novel determinants of RDW level were explored in this study. Elevated RDW was related to a substantial risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease-specific mortalities that was modified by body mass index. Central obesity and illicit drug utilize impact RDW level. RDW could provide a helpful and inexpensive biomarker of mortality in vulnerable populations at-risk for health disparities.