The prevalence of risk factors among women in the United States by race and age, 1992-1994: opportunities for primary and secondary prevention.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the prevalence of 11 modifiable behavioral risk factors, including multiple risk factors, among white, black, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Hispanic women in the United States.


METHODS
We used Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data for 1992 to 1994 to examine risk factors (smoking; obesity; diabetes; heavy alcohol consumption; sedentary lifestyle; and inadequate use of seat belts, pap smears, consumption of fruits or vegetables, mammography and colorectal screening, and immunization), among women age 18 to 49, 50 to 64, and 65 and older. We also conducted a multiple regression analysis, comparing the odds of having either 1-2 versus 0 or 3 or more versus 0 risk factors among racial/ethnic groups, controlling for education and family income, to see if racial/ethnic differences can be attributed to socioeconomic differences.


RESULTS
US women engage in a variety of behaviors that place them at risk for many causes of morbidity and mortality. Risk profiles vary substantially among racial/ethnic populations: Pacific Islanders have relatively low prevalences of most major risk factors, while blacks and American Indians have relatively high prevalences of many major risk factors. Prevalence differences among racial/ethnic populations are diminished but not eliminated when socioeconomic factors are accounted for.


CONCLUSIONS
Appropriately designed programs to help women reduce their behavioral risk factors are needed. Action by health care providers, communities, and policy makers can substantially improve the health of women in the United States.
Hahn
R A
RA
Division of Prevention Research and Analytic Methods, Epidemiology Program Office at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA.
Teutsch
S M
SM
Franks
A L
AL
Chang
M H
MH
Lloyd
E E
EE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001213:Asian / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health