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.