Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System: summary of data for 1991.
OBJECTIVE
High-risk behaviors, such as smoking cigarettes and driving under the influence of alcohol, contribute heavily to morbidity and mortality from noninfectious disease and injury. Substantial variation exists among states in the prevalences of these behaviors.


METHODS
1991.


METHODS
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a state-based random-digit-dialing telephone survey of noninstitutionalized adults (> or = 18 years of age). In 1991, 47 states and the District of Columbia participated in BRFSS. The system focuses on behaviors that are related to one or more of the 10 leading causes of death. In 1991, BRFSS also began collecting data on self-reported lack of health insurance.


RESULTS
As in previous years, BRFSS data for 1991 indicate substantial state-to-state variation in the prevalence of risk factors such as chronic or binge alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and overweight. In addition to measures reported in previous years, the current report includes state prevalences of high blood cholesterol awareness (range = 13.5%-21.5%; median = 16.9%) and lack of health insurance (range = 7.2%-25.7%; median = 14.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Because prevalence estimates vary considerably from state to state, state estimates may be preferable to national ones for use in planning programs.


CONCLUSIONS
The BRFSS will continue to provide state-specific data about health behaviors to allow states to monitor trends that affect the burden of chronic diseases in the United States.
Siegel
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PZ
Waller
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Frazier
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Mariolis
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology; D001364:Awareness; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000453:epidemiology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology