Behavioral risk factor survey of Chinese--California, 1989.

During the 1980s, Asians/Pacific Islanders were the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in both the United States and California. In Alameda County (which includes Oakland), California, persons of Chinese origin or ancestry are the largest subgroup (35.6%) among the more than 192,000 Asians. The prevalence of health risk factors for noninfectious health concerns (e.g., heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries) in Asian/Pacific Islander populations has not been well defined. To characterize risk factors for selected noninfectious diseases among persons of Chinese origin or ancestry in California, Asian Health Services (a private, nonprofit community health center) and the California Department of Health Services adapted CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for use in the Chinese community in Oakland. This report presents data from that survey conducted during June 1989-February 1990.