The behavioral risk factor surveys: I. State-specific prevalence estimates of behavioral risk factors.

The prevalence of most behavioral risk factors varies substantially among states. The prevalence of current cigarette smoking ranges from 22 percent to 38 percent. Estimates of alcohol use show geographic clustering, with lower rates in the southeastern states. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle, uncontrolled hypertension, overweight, and seatbelt use differs markedly among states. These findings represent an initial step toward the analysis of state-specific baseline risk-factor data for use in developing state programs aimed at reducing the leading causes of death in the United States.