Surveillance of certain health behaviors and conditions among states and selected local areas --- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), United States, 2006

Abstract

Problem: Behavioral risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, physical inactivity, and excessive drinking are linked to the leading causes of death in the United States. Controlling these behavioral risk factors and using preventive health services (e.g., influenza vaccinations and cholesterol screenings) can reduce morbidity and mortality in the U.S. population substantially. Continuous monitoring both of health behaviors and of the use of preventive services is essential for developing health promotion activities, intervention programs, and health policies at the state, city, and county level.

Reporting Period Covered: January--December 2006.

Description of the System: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an ongoing, state-based, random-digit--dialed telephone survey of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population aged >18 years. BRFSS collects data on health-risk behaviors and use of preventive health services related to the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. This report presents results for 2006 for all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, 145 selected metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas (MMSAs), and 234 corresponding counties.

Results: Prevalence estimates of risk behaviors, chronic conditions, and the use of preventive services varied substantially by state and territory, MMSA, and county. In 2006, the estimated prevalence of fair or poor health ranged from 11% to 33% for states and territories, from 8% to 24% for MMSAs, and from 5% to 24% for counties. The estimated prevalence of health-care coverage ranged from 61% to 96% for states and territories, MMSAs, and counties. The estimated prevalence of teeth extraction among adults aged >65 years was lowest in Hawaii (10%) and highest in Kentucky (39%) and West Virginia (41%). The estimated prevalence of activity limitation as a result of physical, mental, or emotional problems ranged from 10% to 28% for states and territories, from 13% to 36% for MMSAs, and from 11% to 29% for counties. The estimated prevalence of adults who had a recent routine checkup ranged from 45% to 81% for states and territories, MMSAs, and counties. The estimated prevalence of annual influenza vaccination among adults aged >65 years was lowest in Puerto Rico (33%) and highest in Colorado (76%). The estimated prevalence of pneumococcal vaccination among older adults ranged from 30% to 75% for states and territories, from 52% to 80% for MMSAs, and from 42% to 82% for counties.