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PubMed2003

Use of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System optional diabetes module by states.

An optional diabetes module of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System was first made available to states in 1993. In 2002, 49 states administered this module. In October 2001 we asked state Diabetes Prevention and Control Program coordinators to complete a two-part questionnaire regarding the use of data from the diabetes module and their usefulness in guiding programmatic activities. Seventy percent of state coordinators reported using data from at least one module question to perform program evaluation, develop publications, and development of community interventions; 45 percent of coordinators used data from at least one module question for activities related to passage of legislation. Questions on self monitoring of blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c test, annual foot exam, annual dilated eye exam, and diabetes education were rated as highly useful by the state coordinators. The results from the optional diabetes module are widely used by states and are essential to Diabetes Prevention and Control Program activities. It is important that the optional diabetes module continue to be included in each state's yearly Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System↗

PubMed2005

Contraceptive use--United States and territories, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2002.

PROBLEM: Contraceptive use is an important determinant of unintended pregnancy. In the United States, approximately half of all pregnancies are unintended. Population-based information about contraceptive use patterns is limited at the state level. Information about contraceptive use for states can be used to guide the development of state programs and policies to decrease unintended pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Information about contraceptive use for specific subpopulations can be used to further refine state efforts to improve contraceptive use and subsequently decrease the occurrence of unintended pregnancy. REPORTING PERIOD: Data were collected in 2002 for men and women. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a random-digit--dialed, telephone survey of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population aged > or =18 years. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands participated in BRFSS in 2002. These data can be used to track state progress towards the national health objectives for 2010 for responsible sexual behavior. The 2002 BRFSS data represent the first time state data on contraceptive use in all 50 states will be presented and examined by selected sociodemographic characteristics. The 2002 BRFSS also, for the first time, provided an opportunity to examine state-level contraceptive use patterns among men. RESULTS: Variation across states and territories was observed for the majority of contraceptive methods among the different demographics analyzed and among men and women. The percentage of men and women at risk for pregnancy who said they or their partner was using birth control was high overall and ranged from 67% (Guam) to 88% (Idaho). Oral contraceptives (i.e., the pill), vasectomy, tubal ligation, and condoms were the methods most frequently reported by both male and female respondents who said they or their partner was using birth control. Among female respondents using birth control, the pill was the most common method reported. Among men, vasectomy was the most commonly reported method. The prevalence of use for the four most commonly reported methods (pills, vasectomy, tubal ligation, condoms) varied as much as six-fold among states for vasectomy and three- to four-fold for condoms, pills, and tubal ligation. INTERPRETATION: The findings in this report document substantial differences among states and sociodemographic groups within states in contraceptive method use. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: These data can help states identify populations with an unmet need for birth control, barriers to birth control use, and gaps in the range of birth control methods offered by health-care providers. An analysis of the prevalence of birth control use by state and selected population characteristics can help states target contraceptive programs to best meet the needs of their population.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Cardiovascular disease risk factors and preventive practices among adults--United States, 1994: a behavioral risk factor atlas. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System State Coordinators.

UNLABELLED: PROBLEM/CONDITIONS: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, is the leading cause of death in the United States, and state rates of CVD vary by state and by region of the country. Several behavioral risk factors (i.e., overweight, physical inactivity, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus) and preventive practices (i.e., weight loss and smoking cessation) are associated with the development of CVD and also vary geographically. This summary displays and analyzes geographic variation in the prevalences of selected CVD risk factors. REPORTING PERIOD: 1994 (1992 for prevalence of hypertension). DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a state-based random-digit-dialing telephone survey of noninstitutionalized adults aged > or =18 years; 50 states and the District of Columbia participated in BRFSS in 1994, and 48 states and the District of Columbia participated in 1992. METHODS: Several different analyses were conducted: a) analysis of state risk factor and preventive practice prevalences by sex and race (i.e., black and white); b) mapping; c) cluster analysis; d) correlations of state prevalence rates by sex and race; and e) regression of state risk factor prevalences on state CHD and stroke mortality rates. RESULTS: Mapping the prevalence of selected CVD risk factors and preventive health practices indicates substantial geographic variation for black and white men and women, as confirmed by cluster analysis. Data for blacks are limited by small sample size, especially in western states. Geographic clustering is found for physical inactivity, smoking, and risk factor combinations. Risk factor prevalences are generally lower in the West and higher in the East. White men and white women are more similar in state risk factor rates than other race-sex pairs; white women and black women ranked second in similarity. State prevalences of physical inactivity and hypertension are strongly associated with state mortality rates of CVD. INTERPRETATION: Geographic patterns of risk factor prevalence suggest the presence (or absence) of sociocultural environments that promote (or inhibit) the given risk factor or preventive behavior. Because the risk factors examined in this summary are associated with CVD, further exploration of the reasons underlying observed geographic patterns might be useful. The BRFSS will continue to provide geographic data about cardiovascular health behaviors with a possible emphasis on more data-based small- area analyses and mapping. This will permit states to more adequately monitor trends that affect the burden of CVD in their regions and the United States. Mapping also facilitates the exploration of patterns of morbidity, health-care use, and mortality, as well as the epidemiology of risk factors. Finally, by identifying those segments of the population with high levels of these risk factors and lower levels of the preventive health practices, public health personnel can better allocate resources and target intervention efforts for the prevention of CVD.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Surveillance for certain health behaviors among states and selected local areas--behavioral risk factor surveillance system, United States, 2004.

PROBLEM: Continuous monitoring of behaviors that increase the risk for chronic diseases and use of preventive practices are essential for the development, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion programs and policies, and other intervention strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality. Data from states/territories, selected metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas (MMSAs), and counties provide the impetus for policymakers and other stakeholders to develop and promote the improvement of their community's overall health status. REPORTING PERIOD COVERED: Data in this report were collected during January 1-December 31, 2004, from states/territories, MMSAs, and counties that participated in the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM: BRFSS is an ongoing, state-based, random-digit--dialed telephone survey that employs a multistage cluster design. BRFSS collects information on health risk behaviors and preventive health practices related to the leading causes of death from the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population aged > or =18 years. During 2004, a total of 49 states, the District of Columbia (DC), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands participated in BRFSS. Among these states and territories, completed surveys were collected from a selection of 134 MMSAs and 199 counties. RESULTS: Prevalence of high-risk behaviors for chronic diseases, awareness of specific medical conditions, screening for certain cancers, and use of preventive health services varied substantially by state/territory, MMSA, and county. The proportion of the population that achieved Healthy People 2010 (HP 2010) objectives also varied by state/territory, MMSA, and county. In 2004, HP 2010 objectives for 100% health-care coverage and vaccination for pneumonia and influenza among persons aged > or =65 years were not achieved by any state/territory, MMSA, or county. Twelve states/territories, 47 MMSAs, and 74 counties achieved the HP 2010 objective of < or =20% of adults engaged in no leisure-time physical activity or exercise. The HP 2010 objective to reduce the proportion of adults who currently smoke cigarettes to < or =12% was achieved by two states/territories, four MMSAs, and six counties. One MMSA and one county achieved the HP 2010 target of < or =6% who engage in binge drinking during the month preceding the survey. The HP 2010 target of < or =15% of adults who are obese was obtained by one MMSA and eight counties. The HP 2010 objective to reduce the proportion to <20% for older adults who have had all of their natural teeth extracted was achieved by 23 states/territories, 51 MMSAs, and 45 counties. The HP 2010 target for adults aged > or =50 years who have ever received a sigmoidoscopy is 50%. BRFSS measured both sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. Using this measure, 38 states, 110 MMSAs, and 154 counties achieved the 50% goal. Four counties achieved the HP 2010 objective of 50% for adults who received a blood stool test within the previous 2 years. The HP 2010 objective to increase the proportion of women aged > or =18 years who had a Papanicolaou (Pap) test within the preceding 3 years is 90%. Twenty-four MMSAs and 49 counties achieved this objective. The HP 2010 objective for women aged > or =40 years who have received a mammogram within the preceding 2 years is 70%. Thirty-nine states, 112 MMSAs, and 168 counties achieved the objective. This report includes several risk behaviors and conditions that, although not included in HP 2010 goals, are important public health problems. These include self-reported fair-to-poor health status, heavy alcohol consumption, asthma, diabetes, and prostate cancer screening. The 2004 BRFSS data indicate great variability in the prevalence of self-reported fair-to-poor health status (5.7%-34.8%) and use of prostate cancer screening (34.7%-65.2%) by states/territories, MMSAs, and counties. Among these areas, the prevalence of current asthma ranged from 4.1% to 12.4%, and the prevalence of diabetes ranged from 3.2% to 12.5%. INTERPRETATION: The findings in this report indicate variations in health risk behaviors and use of preventive health screenings and health services among adults at the state, local, and county levels. These variations substantiate the continued need for public health surveillance in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating public health policies and health-care use programs to reduce morbidity and mortality from the effect of high-risk health behaviors and subsequent chronic disease outcomes. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: Data from BRFSS are essential for monitoring prevalence of high-risk health behaviors, specific diseases, and use of preventive health services; dictating the design, focus, implementation, and evaluation of prevention health programs and strategies; and monitoring progress toward obtaining local, state, and national health objectives. Data from the 2004 BRFSS indicate a continual necessity to initiate and implement health promotion strategies for identifying specific health risk behaviors and practices and for assessing progress toward achieving disease prevention and health promotion objectives at state and local levels throughout the United States.

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Chronic disease-related behaviors in U.S. older women: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2003.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of selected behaviors related to chronic diseases among women > or =65 years old using the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seven behaviors were assessed: having a healthy weight, current cigarette smoking status, consumption of at least five fruits or vegetables daily, leisure time physical activity in the the past month, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the average week, influenza immunization in the past year, and lifetime pneumococcal immunization. With increasing age, women > or =65 years old were more likely to have a healthy weight, to be a nonsmoker, and to consume at least five fruits or vegetables daily and less likely to participate in any leisure time or moderate-to-vigorous physical activities. Women with higher incomes and educational attainment were more likely to engage in most healthful behaviors and to have a healthy weight. However, black non-Hispanic women were less likely than white women or those of other race or ethnicity to engage in most healthful behaviors and to have a healthy weight. Women who rated their health as fair or poor were more likely to receive a pneumococcal immunization, and those who rated their health as excellent were least likely to receive an influenza immunization in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: BRFSS data can be used to monitor the prevalence of behaviors related to chronic disease of women aged > or =65 years and to develop programs and polices that promote and reinforce healthful behaviors. These measures have the potential to help reduce morbidity and morality from chronic disease in older women, thereby minimizing the discrepancy between years of healthy life expectancy and life expectancy.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Trends in self-reported use of mammograms (1989-1997) and Papanicolaou tests (1991-1997)--Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: In 1999, an estimated 175,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 43,300 will die from the disease. In the same year, an estimated 12,800 women will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and 4,800 will die from it. Early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer and cervical dysplasia can alter the progress of and reduce mortality from these diseases. REPORTING PERIOD COVERED: 1989-1997 for breast cancer screening and 1991-1997 for cervical cancer screening. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is a state-based telephone survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized adult population (i.e., persons aged > or =18 years). In this report, responses for women aged > or =40 years are included for measures of breast cancer screening, and responses for women aged > or =18 years with an intact uterine cervix are included for measures of cervical cancer screening. RESULTS: The percentage of women aged > or =40 years who reported ever participating in breast cancer screening and the proportion who had participated within the previous 2 years increased during 1989-1997. The percentage of women aged > or =18 years who reported ever participating in cervical cancer screening and the proportion who had participated within the previous 2 years were stable during 1991-1997. For both types of screening, substantially fewer women had received screening within the previous 2 years than had ever been screened. INTERPRETATION: These findings may indicate that some women who participate in initial screening do not seek further screening. ACTIONS TAKEN: Initiatives to encourage women to receive initial screening should continue, but additional initiatives specifically aimed at promoting rescreening should be developed. Continued surveillance of the percentage of women who receive regular screening will help public health officials evaluate breast and cervical cancer prevention programs.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

State-and sex-specific prevalence of selected characteristics--behavioral risk factor surveillance system, 1994 and 1995.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: High-risk behaviors (e.g., cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity) and lack of preventive health care (e.g., screening for cancer) are associated with chronic disease- and injury-related morbidity and mortality. States use the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to collect data about these modifiable health behaviors and to monitor trends and changes in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors in state populations. BRFSS data also are used to monitor progress toward the year 2000 national health objectives. REPORTING PERIOD: 1994 and 1995. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: The BRFSS is a state-based telephone survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized, adult (persons > or =18 years of age) population. In 1994, 49 states and the District of Columbia participated in the BRFSS; in 1995, 50 states participated. RESULTS: As in previous years, there were state-specific variations in the prevalences of high-risk behaviors, awareness of certain medical conditions, use of preventive health services, and health-care coverage. Selected findings for 1995 were that 22.4% of adults reported being current cigarette smokers (range: 13.2%-27.8%); the percentage of adults who reported driving after drinking too much alcohol ranged from 0.6% to 5.2% (median: 2.3%); and among adults aged > or =65 years, 36.8% (range: 11.4%-46.6%) reported ever having had a pneumococcal vaccination and 59.2% (range: 44.2%-70.0%) reported having had an influenza vaccination within the past 1 year. INTERPRETATION: State-specific variations in prevalence may reflect differences in population composition, socioeconomic factors, state laws enacted to discourage high-risk behaviors, levels of effort to screen for certain diseases and physiological conditions, and other factors. ACTION TAKEN: States continue to use the BRFSS to monitor risk factors associated with chronic disease- and injury-related morbidity and mortality and to develop public health programs and policies to address these problems. BRFSS data continue to be important in assessing progress toward national year 2000 and state health objectives.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Healthy lifestyle behaviors among older U.S. adults with and without disabilities, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2003.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the relationship between healthy behaviors and the prevalence of chronic diseases in older adults with disabilities. This study examines the prevalence of selected healthy lifestyle behaviors related to chronic diseases among adults aged 65 years and older with and without disabilities. METHODS: Data from the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to assess having a healthy weight and six behaviors: current cigarette smoking status, consumption of at least one alcoholic beverage daily, consumption of at least five fruits or vegetables daily, physical activity during the average week, influenza immunization in the past year, and lifetime pneumococcal immunization. RESULTS: People with a disability were less likely than people without a disability to have a healthy weight (28.5% vs 37.2%) and to engage in the recommended level of weekly physical activity (14.7% vs 26.2%). However, people with a disability were more likely than those without a disability to be nonsmokers (91.8% vs 89.9%), to consume up to one alcoholic beverage daily (95.1% vs 91.5%), to have received their influenza immunization in the past year (72.7% vs 69.0%), and to have received a lifetime pneumococcal immunization (72.1% vs 63.0%). There was no difference between people with and without a disability in the prevalence rates of consuming at least five fruits or vegetables daily. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of having a healthy weight and six chronic-disease related behaviors among adults aged 65 years and older varies by disability status and by specific modifiable lifestyle behavior. Screening older adults with and without disabilities and counseling them about health behaviors should be integrated into every interaction between older adults and their health care providers to potentially lower the rates of morbidity and mortality related to chronic diseases in the later years.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Are persons with diabetes practicing healthier behaviors in the year 2001? Results from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

BACKGROUND: To examine changes in modifiable health-risk behaviors of diabetic persons in the United States. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of noninstitutionalized adults aged 18 years or older, in states that participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 1995 and 2001. Changes in self-reported health-risk behaviors among persons with diabetes are examined for those years (5,218 in 1995 and 13,733 in 2001 for the core instrument; 3,227 in 1995 and 9,304 in 2001 for the diabetes module). RESULTS: From 1995 to 2001, the percentage of persons with diabetes who were obese, had ever been told their blood pressure or blood cholesterol was high, or had their blood cholesterol checked in the past year increased significantly. Significant increases were also reported among diabetic persons who were former smokers, received an annual influenza vaccination, ever received a pneumococcal vaccination, performed daily self-monitoring of blood glucose, received annual foot examination, and received annual dilated eye exam. CONCLUSIONS: Continued emphasis needs to be placed on a multirisk factor approach to prevent, delay, and reduce the complications of diabetes.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Uses of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data, 1993-1997.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to document and describe Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data use patterns, benefits, and barriers from 1993 to 1997. METHODS: Data use information was gathered via a Medline database search and a telephone survey of BRFSS program directors (n = 54). RESULTS: The database search uncovered 109 BRFSS-based reports. Program directors indicated that BRFSS data frequently were used to support health policies regarding diabetes, physical activity, and smoking. Frequent data use barriers included insufficient special population data, insufficient city- or county-specific data, and insufficient staff. CONCLUSIONS: Use of BRFSS data, which aid several state health activities, increased from 1993 to 1997.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗

PubMed2005

Prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices in the 50 states and the District of Columbia: findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2002.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices in the 50 states and the District of Columbia and estimate the number of children exposed to unsafe storage practices. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2002 cross-sectional Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey of 240735 adults from randomly selected households with telephones in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. RESULTS: Nationally, 32.6% of adults reported that firearms were kept in or around their home. The prevalence of adults with household firearms ranged from 5.2% in the District of Columbia to 62.8% in Wyoming (median: 40.8%). The prevalence of adults with loaded household firearms ranged from 1.6% in Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New Jersey to 19.2% in Alabama (median: 7.0%), and the prevalence of adults with loaded and unlocked household firearms ranged from 0.4% in Massachusetts to 12.7% in Alabama (median: 4.2%). Among adults with children and youth <18 years old, the prevalence of loaded household firearms ranged from 1.0% to 13.4% (median: 5.3%), and the prevalence of loaded and unlocked household firearms ranged from 0.3% to 7.3% (median: 2.3%); in each instance, Massachusetts had the lowest prevalence and Alabama had the highest. Findings indicate that approximately 1.69 million (95% confidence interval: 1.57-1.82 million) children and youth in the United States <18 years old are living with loaded and unlocked household firearms. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial state variations exist in the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices. It is vital that surveillance systems such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System continue to monitor the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices so that future interventions to promote safe storage of firearms can be evaluated and more widely implemented based on their efficacy.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

State- and sex-specific prevalence of selected characteristics--Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1996 and 1997.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: High-risk behaviors (e.g., physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, and drinking and driving) and lack of preventive health care (e.g., screening for cancer) are associated with morbidity and mortality from chronic disease and injury. The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) collects state-specific information to determine the prevalence of such behaviors and preventive practices. By using the BRFSS, states can gain a better understanding of the factors that have a major affect on the health of their adult populations. The BRFSS is also used to monitor progress toward national health objectives. REPORTING PERIOD COVERED: 1996 and 1997. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: The BRFSS is a state-based telephone survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized, adult (i.e., persons aged 18 years) population. In both 1996 and 1997, 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico participated in the BRFSS. RESULTS: As in previous years, state- and sex-specific variations occurred in the prevalence of high-risk behaviors, awareness of certain medical conditions, use of preventive health services, and health-care coverage. For example, in 1997, the percentage of adults who reported being current cigarette smokers ranged from 13.8% to 30.7% among states (median: 23.2%), and the percentage of adults who reported driving after drinking too much alcohol ranged from 0.6% to 5.3% (median: 1.9%). Binge drinking varied substantially not only by state (range: 6.3%-23.3%; median: 14.5%) but also by sex (men: 22.3%; women: 6.7%). Similarly, the prevalence of overweight varied considerably by sex: 62.2% of men and 44.5% of women were overweight in 1997. INTERPRETATION: The 1996 and 1997 BRFSS data demonstrate that U.S. adults engage in behaviors that are detrimental to their health. The data also demonstrate that many adults are making efforts to prevent chronic disease and injury. The prevalence of certain behaviors and health practices differs between states and between men and women. The reasons for these differences by state and sex are subjects for further analysis, but only through continued surveillance can the areas that need further study be identified. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS: Data from the BRFSS are useful in developing and guiding public health programs and policies. For many states, the BRFSS is the only source of state-level data on behaviors and practices related to chronic disease and injury; therefore, BRFSS data are vital for effective decision-making at the local level. States will continue to use these data to help prevent premature morbidity and mortality among their adult population and to assess progress toward national health objectives.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

State smoking prevalence estimates: a comparison of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and current population surveys.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether there are systematic differences between the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the Current Population Survey (CPS) for state cigarette smoking prevalence estimates. METHODS: BRFSS telephone survey estimates were compared with estimates from the US Census CPS tobacco-use supplements (the CPS sample frame includes persons in households without telephones). Weighted overall and sex- and race-specific BRFSS and CPS state estimates of adults smoking were analyzed for 1985, 1989, and 1992/1993. RESULTS: Overall estimates of smoking prevalence from the BRFSS were slightly lower than estimates from CPS (median difference: -2.0 percentage points in 1985, -0.7 in 1989, and -1.9 in 1992/1993; P < .05 for all comparisons), but there was variation among states. Differences between BRFSS and CPS estimates were larger among men than among women and larger among Blacks than among Hispanics or Whites; for most states, these differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The BRFSS generally provides state estimates of smoking prevalence similar to those obtained from CPS, and these are appropriate for ongoing state surveillance of smoking prevalence.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Health behaviors among American Indians with spinal cord injury: comparison with data from the 1996 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

OBJECTIVE: To identify patterns of health behaviors and health outcomes among a sample of American Indian men with spinal cord injury. DESIGN: Telephone interviews with all participants, except those who did not have telephones (they returned materials by mail). SETTING: Large rehabilitation hospital in the Western mountain region of the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-six American Indian men with traumatic SCI of at least 1 year in duration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Selected health-related behaviors from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to assess health behaviors and general health outcomes among the American Indian SCI sample and to compare findings with those from American Indian men without SCI based on nationwide BRFSS data. RESULTS: The study participants reported lower overall health and satisfaction with health care than the non-SCI BRFSS group. They also reported a different pattern of health behaviors, including a greater frequency of inoculations for flu and pneumonia but a lower rate of HIV testing and cholesterol screening. A smaller percentage of American Indians used alcohol, but those who did reported more heavy drinking. CONCLUSIONS: American Indians with SCI are more likely to receive health care consistent with the prevention of secondary conditions of SCI (eg, pneumonia), but less likely to receive basic health screens intended to prevent chronic health diseases.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Determinants of quality of life among people with asthma: findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Asthma is a major contributor to impaired quality of life in the U.S. population. Little is known about population-based determinants of quality of life among people with asthma, however. Using data from the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we examined the associations between selected sociodemographic, behavioral, and other determinants and quality of life among 12,111 participants with current asthma. In multiple logistical regression models, three variables--employment status, smoking status, and physical activity--were significantly associated with all measures of impaired quality of life (poor or fair health, > or = 14 physically unhealthy days, > 14 mentally unhealthy days, > or = 14 activity limitation days, or > or = 14 physically or mentally unhealthy days). Education was significantly and inversely related to impaired quality of life for all measures except activity limitation days. Men were less likely than women to report having > or = 14 physically unhealthy days, > or = 14 mentally unhealthy days, or > or = 14 physically or mentally unhealthy days. Compared with whites, Hispanics were more likely to report being in poor or fair health, and African Americans were less likely to report having > or = 14 physically unhealthy days or > or = 14 physically or mentally unhealthy days. In addition, participants with lower incomes were more likely to report impaired quality of life for three measures (general health status, > or = 14 physically unhealthy days, and activity limitation days). The heaviest participants were more likely to be in poor or fair health or to report having more > or = 14 physically unhealthy days, or > or = 14 physically or mentally unhealthy days. Insurance coverage and the time since their last routine checkup were not significantly associated with any of the quality-of-life measures. These results show that three potentially modifiable factors (smoking status, physical activity, body mass index) are associated with quality of life among persons with asthma. Furthermore, among people with asthma, the elderly, women, poorly educated, and low-income participants are especially likely to experience impaired quality of life.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

A comparison of national estimates from the National Health Interview Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare national estimates from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). METHODS: The authors compared data from the 2 surveys on smoking, height, weight, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, immunization, lack of insurance coverage, cost as a barrier to medical care, and health status. RESULTS: Overall national estimates were similar for 13 of the 14 measures examined. Small differences according to demographic characteristics were found for height and body mass index, with larger differences for health status. CONCLUSIONS: Although estimates differed within subgroups, the BRFSS provided national estimates comparable to those of the NHIS. BRFSS national data could provide rapidly available information to guide national policy and program decisions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

American Indian and Alaska Native health behavior: findings from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system, 1992-1995.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences between American Indian and white adults in behavioral risk factors for chronic disease and injury. METHODS: Data were drawn from the 1992-1995 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing telephone survey of health behaviors of adults. Prevalence estimates by sex were calculated for American Indian and white respondents in 15 states and the significance of their differences evaluated by chi-square tests. RESULTS: American Indians were found to be at significantly higher risk than whites for fair to poor general health status, medical cost difficulties, binge drinking, cigarette smoking, not always using safety belts, being diagnosed as diabetic, and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce the gap in behavioral risk factors between American Indians and whites, more resources need to be dedicated to American Indian health. Note. The term "American Indian" henceforth refers to those who identify themselves as American Indian or Alaska Native.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Vitamin or supplement use among adults, behavioral risk factor surveillance system, 13 states, 2001.

OBJECTIVE: The authors examined vitamin/supplement (V/S) use and its relationship to sociodemographics, health behaviors, and health conditions among adults in 13 states. METHODS: This investigation used 2001 data from a cross-sectional study of non-institutionalized adults aged > or = 18 years, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. RESULTS: Of 45,415 respondents with complete data (18,723 males and 26,692 females), 56.5% (n=5,652) reported current V/S use. After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education, the authors found a statistically significant association between V/S use and positive health risk behavior (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.46; p<0.001). Also, WS use was found to increase with age (p<0.001). No association was found between V/S use and the absence of specific chronic disease conditions (adjusted OR=0.93; p=0.052). CONCLUSIONS: People who used V/S in the states surveyed were more likely to demonstrate positive health risk behaviors than those who did not report V/S use. Thus it appears that individuals who are most likely to use V/S are least likely to need V/S. It is crucial that individuals report quantity and frequency of V/S use when providing medical or diet histories to health care providers.

Adolescent↗