Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Health Insurance CoverageBehavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
BRFSS
State Center for Health Statistics
Division of Public Health
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
This presentation summarizes the 2003 NC BRFSS results for the Northeast NC II region,* which consists of Beaufort, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Edgecombe, Hyde, Martin, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington counties. The results for the Northeast NC II region are compared with other regions, state and national data.
NC 2003 BRFSS Northeast NC II
History of the BRFSS Survey
Developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments in the early 1980s in response to the need for:
on-going assessment of adult health-risk behaviors and health practices;
provision of state and regional (and now county) estimates for targeting high-risk groups.
It is the largest and longest running telephone health survey in the world.
The BRFSS was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments in the early 1980s in response to the need for: (1) on-going assessment of adult health-risk behaviors and health practices; and (2) provision of state, regional, and local level estimates for targeting high-risk groups.
The BRFSS is the largest and longest running telephone health survey in the world.
BRFSS in the U.S., 1984
In 1984, 14 states including North Carolina participated in the BRFSS
In 1990, all but six states were part of the BRFSS Surveillance Program.
Guam
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
By 1994, all states, the District of Columbia and three U.S. territories were participating in the BRFSS.
The 2003 North Carolina BRFSS
For the 2003 survey, the North Carolina BRFSS Program conducted interviews in both English and Spanish and interviewed a total of 9,455 adults.
The 2003 sample design included over-sampling of five counties and 12 regions consisting of more than 50 smaller counties to produce county or regional BRFSS estimates. In addition, estimates were produced for three, broad regions of the state: Western, Piedmont, and Eastern.
The 2003 results for each question are available on the BRFSS web site by sex, race, Hispanic origin and language (English, Spanish-only), age group, education level, household income, and county and region. The 2003 data provide estimates on the health of Native Americans and Spanish-speaking only Hispanics, see: www.schs.state.nc.us/SCHS/healthstats/brfss /2003/highlights.html
For the 2003 survey, the North Carolina BRFSS Program conducted a total of 9,455 interviews in both English and Spanish. This was the largest number of interviews ever completed by the North Carolina BRFSS. Over 9,000 interviews were needed to ensure a minimum of 400 completed interviews to produce local level estimates for 5 counties, 9 multi-county regions, and 4 (AHEC) health regions. Their combined total of 18 county/regional estimates almost doubles the number produced (10) in 2002.
There are now three consecutive years of NC BRFSS data available on the BRFSS web site, which is maintained by the State Center for Health Statistics in Raleigh. The 2003 results for each survey question are broken out by sex, race, Hispanic origin and language (English, Spanish-only), age group, education level, household income, and county and region. These results, along with previous years’ results, provide public health planners and program providers with a closer look at the health and well-being of North Carolina's minority populations (including American Indians and Spanish-speaking Hispanics), as well as that of the state's general population.
Weighting the BRFSS Data
BRFSS data are directly weighted for the probability of selection of a telephone number, the number of adults (18+ yrs.) in a household, and the number of phones in a household.
Additional weights are developed for non-coverage, i.e. households with no telephones, and for differences between the sample characteristics and the state population characteristics.
A final weight is assigned to each respondent so that the weighted proportion and weighted number of respondents by sex, age, and race matches the state population.
Note: all results are based on weighted data
Weighting the data is an essential part of the BRFSS data processing.
BRFSS data are directly weighted for the probability of selection of a telephone number, the number of adults (18+ yrs.) in a household, and the number of phones in a household.
Additional weights are developed for non-coverage, i.e. households with no telephones, and for differences between the sample characteristics and the state population characteristics.
A final weight is assigned to each respondent so that the weighted proportion and weighted number of respondents by sex, age, and race matches the state population. All results in this presentation use weighted data. Use of the weighted data allows us to generalize the results of the BRFSS Survey to the North Carolina population of adults, ages 18 and older, with household telephones.
Standard BRFSS
Computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI)
Probability sampling of noninstitutionalized adults (18+ years) in households with telephones
BRFSS is an ongoing monthly telephone survey using RDD or random digit dialing. Data is analyzed on a calendar year basis. The questionnaire changes each year, beginning in January.
Interviews are conducted using the Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) system. Data entry is completed during the interview, via CATI.
The BRFSS uses a probability sample of non-institutionalized adults (18+ years) in households with telephones.
The BRFSS Questionnaire
Standard Core Questions
Required by CDC and asked every year by all participants.
Rotating Core Questions
Required by CDC and asked every other year by all participants.
Emerging Core Questions
Required by CDC and asked every one time by all participants.
Optional Modules offered and supported by CDC
Included if sponsored by state programs/agencies.
State-Added Questions
Developed and sponsored by state programs/agencies.
The BRFSS questionnaire has five types of questions with respect to CDC funding requirements and how often they are asked.
Core questions are funded and required by the CDC to be included in the questionnaire. Rotating core questions are usually asked every other year. Emerging core questions are generally asked for one year with respect to an emerging public health issue.
Optional Modules are a set of questions related to a topic and offered by the CDC for states to use. These modules are included in the BRFSS questionnaire if requested and sponsored by state programs/agencies. Each year different sets of optional modules are offered by CDC.
State-added questions are developed or borrowed from other health surveys or previous years’ BRFSS questions; these questions are usually sponsored by state programs or agencies. The State Center for Health Statistics helps find these questions and occasionally tests and develop them.
Survey Topics on the NC 2003 BRFSS
Core Sections
Health status
Violence
Here we see the various topics covered in the Core, Optional Modules, and State-added questions, for the 2003 North Carolina BRFSS Survey. The 2003 questionnaire contained a total of 179 questions. There were 2 new questions in the Core related to falls among persons age 45 and older. The questions asked in the Optional Modules have been asked in previous years, except for two new questions related to binge drinking, i.e., Who purchased the alcohol?, Where was it obtained? There were several new topics/questions introduced in the State-Added Section: these included questions on diabetes screening among the general population, (i.e., those not diagnosed with diabetes) two new questions on care for aging family members, two new questions on exercise and weight loss for those with arthritis, a question on a proposed tobacco tax on cigarettes, several new questions on the use of weight loss products, and a revised set of questions on physical violence, which, for the first time, asked the respondent-victim to identify different persons/groups that she/he may have to talked to about the most recent assault.
About this 2003 BRFSS Slide Presentation
Objectives: (1) promote BRFSS data use and dissemination by North Carolina public health professionals; and (2) by mixing or selecting specific slides, presentations may be tailored or modified to suit the needs of the county/presenter.
Talking points: slides include talking points to help with interpretation of the results.
Survey questions: the BRFSS survey questions are quoted verbatim in the talking points.
Nationwide data: for core topics, nationwide estimates (means) are provided for comparison.
Calculations: only weighted data are presented and all “unknowns/refusals” are excluded from calculations.
The primary objective of this presentation is to increase use of BRFSS data and dissemination by North Carolina public health professionals. Secondly, by choosing, mixing and modifying slides, counties may create their own presentation. For example, one can choose only Healthy People 2010 and some BRFSS background slides to include in a HP 2010 presentation.
It’s very important to check the 2003 NC BRFSS questionnaire to learn about the skip patterns for different questions or modules; for example, the question on arthritis and its impact on work related activities is asked only among 18-64 year olds, including those in that age group who may be retired or out-of-work.
Weighted data are used throughout this presentation. Respondents who reported “Don’t know’ or refused to answer the question were excluded in all calculations. In rare cases, “I don’t know” responses were considered.
About this 2002 BRFSS Presentation (cont.)
Cautionary Notes:
These results need to be viewed as estimates and not the actual or true value of the outcome of interest.
With any estimate based on a random sample, there is a margin of error. For the 16 oversampled counties and regions the margin of error is about 5% if the question was asked of all respondents. This means that we can expect the true value to lie somewhere between the sample estimate plus or minus 5 percent.
When county results are subset by age or race, for example, the margin of error increases as a function of the resulting smaller sample size.
Use caution when comparing the results across counties, as the margin of error may not be the same for all counties.
These results need to be viewed as estimates and not the actual or true value of the outcome of interest.
With any estimate based on a random sample, there is a margin of error. For the 18 over-sampled counties/regions the margin of error is about 5% if the question was asked of all respondents. This means that we can expect the true value to lie somewhere between the sample estimate plus or minus 5 percent.
When county results are subset by age or race, for example, the margin of error increases as a function of the resulting smaller sample size.
Use caution when comparing the results across counties, as the margin of error may not be the same for all counties.
Geographical Analysis
Used in this Presentation
In this presentation, we show the results for the featured county or region of interest with those of North Carolina, the state’s urban and rural counties, three regions of the state including the Western, Eastern and Piedmont regions, and the results for the United States, when BRFSS questions appear in Core Section or in standard Modules.
Urban and rural counties are defined as follows:
Urban counties include Buncombe, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Mecklenburg, Onslow and Wake.
All other counties are classified as rural.
Geographical Analysis (cont.)
The Western region includes Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties.
The Eastern region includes Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Tyrrell, Washington, Wayne, and Wilson counties.
The Piedmont region includes Alamance, Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Granville, Guilford, Iredell, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Montgomery, Moore, Northeast NC II, Person, Randolph, Richmond, Rockingham, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Vance, Wake, Warren, and Yadkin counties.
Contents of Presentation
Cardiovascular Disease
2003 BRFSS Tracked HP2010 Objectives
There are 24 content areas contained in this presentation, beginning with Sample Size and Demographics and ending with the HP2010 Objectives that can be tracked with the 2003 BRFSS Survey. (Each topic above is linked to its introductory slide; these links become available only in slide show mode.)
i. Sample Size & Demographics
2003 NC BRFSS Sample Size
There was a total of 9,455 interviews completed statewide. Almost all counties or county-clusters had at least 400 completed interviews. In the Northeast NC II region, a total of 514 interviews were completed in 2003.
County/ Region
*weighted percentages
The weighted sample demographics indicate that the Northeast NC II region contains a substantially larger proportion of African Americans than that found statewide. However, the age distribution for the Northeast NC II region and the state are fairly similar.
Northeast NC II
2002 NC BRFSS Sample Demographic Characteristics (cont.)
*weighted percentages
Compared to the state, the Northeast NC II region has a somewhat lower educated population and higher percentage of low income households (< $50,000).
Northeast NC II
I. Health Status/Healthy Days
Perceived Fair or Poor Health
Q: Would you say that in general your health is: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair or Poor?
In 2003, about 19% of NC adults perceived their health to be fair or poor; the highest rate appeared in N.E. NC-II region.
%
The prevalence of self-reported fair/poor health among Northeast NC II demographic groups tended to exceed those of the state.
Poor Physical Health Days (8+ days out of past 30 days)
Q: Now thinking about your physical health, which includes physical illness and injury, for how many days during the past 30 days was your physical health not good?
Western NC and the N.E. NC-II region had the highest rates of poor physical health days (8 or more days out of the past 30 days). The Piedmont counties and urban counties had the lowest rates.
Poor Mental Health Days (8+ days out of past 30 days)
Q: Now thinking about your mental health, which includes stress, depression, and problems with emotions, for how many days during the past 30 days was your mental health not good?
With regard to poor mental health, rural counties, the Western and N.E. NC-II regions had the highest rates of self-reported poor mental health.
Restricted Activity Days (8+ days past 30 days)*
Q: During the past 30 days, for about how many days did poor physical or mental health keep you from doing your usual activities, such as self-care, work, or recreation?
* Respondents who reported no mental and physical health problems in the past month were not asked this question, but were included in the “no days” calculations for this variable.
Restricted activity days due to poor mental or physical was also highest in the Western and N.E. NC-II regions.
II. Health Care Access
No Health Insurance Coverage
(ages 18 to 64)
Q: Do you have any kind of health care coverage, including health insurance, prepaid plans such as HMOs, or government plans such as Medicare?
Statewide, about 20% of North Carolina adults, ages 18 to 64, have no health insurance – slightly higher than the U.S. rate.
In the state, no health insurance (18 to 64 year olds) ranged from 14.3% in Northeast NC II to 26.1% in the Western region.
No Health Insurance Coverage by Sex, Race, Age
(18-64 yrs.), Education & Income: Northeast NC II & NC
%
Among 18 to 64 year olds, the percentage of those in Northeast NC II with no health insurance was somewhat comparable to the state.
Statewide, about 17% of all North Carolina adults, ages 18 and older, have no health insurance coverage. The highest rate of no health insurance was observed in Western NC, the lowest among urban counties.
Does Not Have a Personal Doctor*
Q: Do you have one person you think of as your personal doctor or health care provider?
*Those who reported having more than one personal doctor are included in the NO category.
Across the state, at least a third of adults have no personal doctor.
Time When Needed To See Doctor But Could Not Because of Cost
Q: Was there a time during the last 12 months when you needed to see a doctor, but could not because of the cost?
The impact of cost on access to medical care was highest in the Western and N.E. NC-II
regions, where close to 2 out 10 adults were affected.
III. Chronic Diseases
Arthritis
Ever Told by a Doctor You Have Some Form of Arthritis
Q: Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia?
Northeast NC II contains the highest rate of doctor-diagnosed arthritis; the lowest rate was found in urban counties.
%
Across groups, the prevalence of arthritis was higher in Northeast NC II.
Joint Pain in Past 30 Days
Q: DURING THE PAST 30 DAYS, have you had any symptoms of pain, aching, or stiffness in or around a joint?
Statewide, about 44% of adults have had symptoms of joint pain in the past 30 days, with the highest prevalence (50.3%) reported in Northeast NC II.
Joint Symptoms Began More than Three Months Ago*
Q: Did your joint symptoms first begin more than 3 months ago?
*This question was asked of respondents who reported having pain, aching, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint.
For most adults with joint pain—over 80%--the symptoms began more than 3 months ago.
Ever Seen a Health Professional for Joint Symptoms*
Q: Have you ever seen a doctor or other health professional for these joint symptoms?
*This question was asked of respondents who reported having pain, aching, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint.
A little more than 70% of those with joint pain have ever seen a health professional for their joint pain; in Northeast NC II, the rate was around 77%.
Now Limited Because of Joint Symptoms or Arthritis
Q: Are you now limited in any way in any of your usual activities because of arthritis or joint symptoms?*
*This question was asked of respondents who reported joint symptoms beginning at least 3 months ago, or being told by a doctor that they have arthritis.
Statewide, almost a third of those with arthritis or joint symptoms reported that they were now limited in their usual activities. The rate in Northeast NC II was close to 39%.
Joint Symptoms or Arthritis Now Affects Work-related Activities
Q: In this next question we are referring to work for pay. Do arthritis or joint symptoms now affect whether you work, the type of work you do or the amount of work you do?*
*This question was asked of respondents (18-64 yrs.) who reported joint symptoms beginning 3 months ago, or being told by a doctor that they have arthritis
About 38% of those in Northeast NC II reported that their joint symptoms have affected their work activities, the highest of any region.
Doctor Suggested Losing Weight to Help with Arthritis or Joint Symptoms
Q: Has a doctor or other health professional EVER suggested losing weight to help your arthritis or joint symptoms ?*
*Asked only of respondents with chronic joint symptoms or doctor-diagnosed arthritis
Overall, about 18% of those with arthritis reported that a doctor or health professional had suggested that they lose weight to help with their joint symptoms.
Doctor Suggested Physical Activity to Help with Arthritis or Joint Symptoms
Q: Has a doctor or other health professional EVER suggested physical activity or exercise to help your arthritis or joint symptoms?*
*Asked only of respondents with chronic joint symptoms or doctor-diagnosed arthritis
Statewide, a little more than 40% of those with arthritis indicated that a doctor or health professional had suggested physical activity to help with their symptoms.
Asthma
Ever Diagnosed with Asthma
Q: Did a doctor ever tell you that you had asthma?
Statewide, about 11% of adults had ever been diagnosed with asthma. Across regions, the rate of asthma diagnosis ranged from a low of 10.6% in the Piedmont to a high of 13.3% in Northeast NC II.
%
In comparison to the state, the rate of ever being diagnosed with asthma was higher among most Northeast NC II demographic groups, particularly for females and those with a high school or less education.
Currently has Asthma
Q: Did you still have asthma?
The population rate for those who currently have asthma dropped about 3 percentage points from the population rate of those who have ever been diagnosed with asthma; in Northeast NC II, about 10% of adults currently have asthma – the highest rate of any strata.
Diabetes
Diabetes Prevalence
Q: Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have diabetes?
Statewide, an estimated 8.1% of adults have doctor-diagnosed diabetes. The prevalence diabetes in Northeast NC II was noticeably higher than the statewide prevalence of diabetes.
%
The prevalence of diabetes was generally higher among Northeast NC II demographic groups, particularly among older adults, where the prevalence was 19.1%.
Ever Had a Blood Test for Diabetes
Q: Have you ever had a blood test for high sugar or diabetes?*
*Asked of all respondents that answered NO to diabetes Core question: Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have diabetes?
About 62% of adults in the state have ever had a blood test for diabetes.
Had a Blood Test for Diabetes in the Past Three Years
Q: Have you ever had a blood test for high sugar or diabetes?*
*Asked of all respondents that have ever had a blood sugar test?
The majority—over 85%--of those who’ve ever had a blood test have had the test in the past 3 years.
Diabetes Management Indicators – NC & US
%
An estimated 24.3% of those with doctor-diagnosed diabetes are taking insulin; a much larger proportion, over 70% are taking diabetes pills.
About 60% of diabetics reportedly check their blood glucose at least once a day; about 70% check their feet for sores or irritations at least once a day, and about 50% have had an eye exam, in which the pupil is dilated, in the past year.
Diabetes Risk Indicators – NC & US
State Quest. Only
About 8% of diabetics have early onset of the disease, before age 30; across the Nation this rate is closer to 12%.
For NC, about 10% of diabetics have never had their hemoglobin checked for 'A one C‘ by a health professional. About 44% have never taken a self-management class and 11 percent reported, that at least on one occasion in the past year, there was a time when they were without medicines and testing supplies because of cost.
High Blood Pressure
Ever Told by Health Professional that You Have High Blood Pressure
Q: Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you have high blood pressure?
In 2003, the estimated prevalence of doctor-diagnosed high blood pressure in the state was about 29%; in 2001 (the latest year for the Hypertension Module), the statewide prevalence was 27.2%.
%
The prevalence of high blood pressure was consistently higher among Northeast NC II groups; and among 45+ year olds, the prevalence exceeded 50%.
Currently Taking Medicine for High Blood Pressure
Q: Are you currently taking medicine for your high blood pressure?*
*This question is asked only if the respondent reported being diagnosed with high blood pressure.
About three-quarters of NC adults with high blood pressure are taking medicine for their high blood pressure.
High Cholesterol
Told by a Doctor that Your Blood Cholesterol is High
Q: Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse or other health professional that your blood cholesterol is high?*
*This question is asked only if the respondent reported having blood cholesterol checked.
In 2003, an estimated 34% of adults in North Carolina have been told by a doctor that their blood cholesterol is high; in 2001 – the last year this module was available – the comparable rate for high cholesterol was about 29%.
%
The prevalence of high cholesterol, by demographic groups, in Northeast NC II falls somewhat below the state trends.
Had Blood Cholesterol Checked
Q: Blood cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. Have you ever had your blood cholesterol checked?
About 78% of NC and U.S. adults have had their blood cholesterol checked.
IV. Disability
IV. Disability
Has Some Type of Disability
IV. Disability
Some type of disability consists of a positive response to one or more of the four disability screener questions, or four disability measures: activity limitation, need for special equipment, self-perceived disability, and trouble learning/remembering.
Based on the current definition of disability, about 29% of NC adults in 2003 had some type of disability.
Across geographic strata, the disability rates varied from a low of 24.2% in urban counties to high of 34.7% in the Western region, while Northeast NC II region had the second highest rate of adult disability.
%
IV. Disability
The prevalence of disability in Northeast NC II, across demographic groups, tended to be higher than that of the state.
Measure: Self-perceived* Disability
IV. Disability
Q. A disability can be physical, mental, emotional, or communication related. Do you consider yourself to have a disability?*
*This includes possible responses of: “yes, mild disability,” “yes, moderate disability,” or “yes, severe disability.”
The rate of self-perceived disability (using the term ‘disability’ to describe one’s limitation) was almost twice as high in the Western region and in the N.E. NC-II region as compared to the Piedmont or Urban counties.
Measure: Health Problem Requires Use of Special Equipment
IV. Disability
Q. Do you now have any health problem that requires you to use special equipment, such as a cane, a wheelchair, a special bed, or a special telephone?
Measure: Activity Limitation b/c of Physical or Emotional Problems
IV. Disability
Q. Are you limited in any way in any activities because of physical, mental, or emotional problems?
Comparatively high rates of activity limitations were observed in the Western region and in the Northeast NC II region and rural counties.
Measure: Trouble Learning and Remembering
IV. Disability
Q. Because of any impairment or health problem, do you have any trouble learning, remembering, or concentrating?
In Northeast NC II, the prevalence of learning problems was about 16% of the adult population.
V. Care for Aging
V. Care for Aging
Provided Care/Assistance to a Family Member w/Long Term Illness
V. Care for Aging
Q. People may provide regular care or assistance to an older adult who has a long-term illness or disability.
During the past month, did you provide any such care or assistance to a family member or friend who is 60 years of age or older?
During 2003, we can estimate that in any given month, about one-quarter of adults in NC provided care or assistance to an older family member or friend (age 60+) who had a long term illness. The highest rates for this indicator were observed in the N.E. NC-II region.
Demographics of Care-giver for Northeast NC II & NC
%
V. Care for Aging
For each demographic group, the results in this slide sum to 100%. For the most part, the demographics of care-givers reflects their distribution or proportion in the general population.
Person Who Received Care Had a Problem with Memory Loss*
V. Care for Aging
Q. Did that person have a problem with memory loss or confusion or a disorder like Alzheimer's Disease?*
*This questions was asked only of care-givers.
Note: small sample sizes warrant caution with these results.
VI. Immunization
VI. Immunization
Had flu shot in health dept.
Ever had pneumonia shot
VI. Immunization
Q. During the past 12 months, have you had a flu shot?
Among adults statewide, ages 18 and older, an estimated 33.9% received a flu shot in the past 12 months (in 2002, the statewide rate was 31.4%). Northeast NC II reported the highest high rate of having a recent flu shot.
%
VI. Immunization
*past year
The rates for having a recent flu shot among Northeast NC II demographic groups tended to be somewhat lower than the comparable state results.
Had Flu Shot in Health Department
VI. Immunization
Q. At what kind of place did you get your last flu shot?
Across the nation in 2003, only about 3% of adults had their last flu shot in health departments, while in North Carolina, the rate was closer to 12%, and in the N.E. NC-II region the rate was about 20%.
Ever Had a Pneumonia Shot
(all ages)
VI. Immunization
Q. Have you ever had a pneumonia shot? This shot is usually given only once or twice in a person's lifetime and is different from the flu shot. It is also called the pneumococcal vaccine.
About 22% of NC adults have ever had a pneumonia shot.
Ever Had a Pneumonia Shot
(age 65+)
VI. Immunization
Q. Have you ever had a pneumonia shot? This shot is usually given only once or twice in a person's lifetime and is different from the flu shot. It is also called the pneumococcal vaccine.
When considering those age 65 and older, about two-thirds of the statewide population have ever had a pneumonia shot. The highest rates were observed in urban counties.
VII. Physical Activity
Does not meet recommendation
No Leisure Time Physical Activity
No = Respondents reporting no physical activity or exercise.
Yes = Respondents who report any level of physical activity or exercise.
In 2003, 1 in 4 adults in NC and the Nation had no physical activity of exercise in the past month.
%
In North Carolina, no leisure time activity was highest among females, those over age 45, those with less than a high school education, and those with lowest household incomes. Northeast NC II tended to have similar rates of no leisure time activity.
Does Not Meet Recommendation for Physical Activity
Does Not Meet Recommendation includes those who engage in some physical activity (but not sufficient) or those who are physically inactive.
For most geographic areas of the state, over 60 percent of adults do not meet recommendations for adequate physical activity. North Carolina’s rate of not meeting physical activity recommendations significantly exceeded that of the U.S.
Engages in Moderate Physical Activity
Q. Now, thinking about the moderate physical activities you do when you are not working in a usual week, do you do moderate activities for at least 10 minutes at a time such as brisk walking, bicycling, vacuuming, gardening, or anything else that causes small increases in breathing or heart rate?
These results suggest that most adults, about three-fourths, engage in some type of moderate physical activity. Again, the nation as a whole outperformed North Carolina on this indicator.
Adequate Moderate Physical Activity per Week
Adequate = Respondents who report doing moderate physical activity for 30 or more minutes per day, five or more days per week or respondents who report doing vigorous physical activity for 20 or more minutes per day, three or more days per week.
Not adequate = Respondents who report no moderate physical activity or less than 30 minutes per day, or less than five days per week and no vigorous physical activity or less than 20 minutes per day, or less than three days per week.
These results suggest that about half of those who engage in some type of moderate physical activity actually meet the recommendations for moderate physical activity.
Engages in Vigorous Physical Activity
Q. Now, thinking about the vigorous physical activities you do when you are not working in a usual week, do you do vigorous activities for at least 10 minutes at a time, such as running, aerobics, heavy yard work, or anything else that causes large increases in breathing or heart rate?
A significantly smaller percentage of NC adults engage in vigorous physical activity as compared to the percentage of adults across the U.S.
Adequate Vigorous Physical Activity per Week
Adequate = Respondents who report doing vigorous physical activity for 20 or more minutes per day, three or more days per week.
Not adequate = Respondents who report no vigorous physical activity or less than 20 minutes per day, or less than three days per week.
Statewide, less than 20% of adults meet the recommendations for adequate vigorous physical activity.
Mostly Sitting or Standing at Work
Q. When you are at work, which of the following best describes what you do? Would you say: *
*This question was asked only of respondents who reported being employed or self-employed.
In urban counties, about 65% of adults mostly sit or stand at work; in rural counties the rate drops to about 56%.
VIII. Tobacco Use
VIII. Tobacco Use
Current Smoker
Current smoking is defined by 2 questions:
Q1: “Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?”
Q2: “Do you now smoke cigarettes every day, some days, or not at all?
Definition of current smoker: smoked at least 100 cigarettes in lifetime and now smokes everyday or some days.
An estimated 24.8% of NC adults were current smokers in 2003, down somewhat from the 26.2% reported in the 2002 NC BRFSS.
The rate of current smoking was lowest in urban counties and highest in rural counties and in the western part of the state. The rate of current smoking in Northeast NC II was comparable to rural counties.
%
VIII. Tobacco Use
The rate of current smoking across Northeast NC II demographic groups was noticeably higher among 18 to 44 year olds and those in the low income group.
Smoked at Least 100 Cigarettes in Lifetime
VIII. Tobacco Use
Q. Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?
Close to half of NC adults have ever smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.
First Started Smoking Regularly at Age 14 or Younger
VIII. Tobacco Use
Q. How old were you when you first started smoking cigarettes regularly?
An estimated 12.9% of NC smokers first started smoking regularly at age 14 or younger.
IX. Tobacco Prevention
Quit Smoking One Day or Longer in Past Year
Q: During the past 12 months, have you stopped smoking for one day or longer because you were trying to quit smoking?
Quick smoking rates—one day or longer in past year—averaged about 53% for all smokers in the state , a decline from the 2002 statewide rate of 58%.
Regular Smokers* Who Received Medical Care in Past Year
Q. In the past 12 months, have you seen a doctor, nurse, or other health professional to get any kind of care for yourself?
*Regular smokers include those who smoke daily or occasionally.
Overall, an estimated 65% of regular smokers received some kind of medical care in the past year. The highest rate of
76.8% was reported in Northeast NC II, which was well above the state rate.
Advised by Health Professional to Quit Smoking in Past Year*
Q. In the past 12 months, has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional advised you to quit smoking?
*This question was asked only of respondents who reported smoking regularly within the past year and had received health care of some kind.
Statewide, 76.1% of regular smokers who received some kind of health care in the past year, reported being advised by a health professional to quit; in 2002, the statewide rate was 74.5%. In Northeast NC II, just over 81% were advised to quit.
X. Rules about Smoking
Smoking Not Allowed in the Home
Q. Which statement best describes the rules about smoking inside your home?
Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside your home.
2. Smoking is allowed in some places or at some times
3. Smoking is allowed anywhere inside the home
or
4. There are no rules about smoking inside the home.
Respondents from urban counties and Northeast NC II were most likely to report that smoking was not allowed anywhere in the home; the opposite was true for respondents from rural counties.
%
Among Northeast NC II demographic groups, the rate of not allowing smoking in the home was comparable to their statewide counterparts.
At Work, Smoking Not Allowed in Work Areas*
* This question was asked only of respondents who reported working indoors most of the time.
Q. Which of the following best describes your place of works' official smoking policy for work areas:?
Not allowed in any work areas
Allowed in some work areas
Allowed in all work areas
or
4.No official policy
Across the state, an estimated 88% of adults reported that smoking at work was not allowed in any work areas, up slightly from the 2002 rate of 86%.
Worksites Prohibit Smoking in Both Public and Work Areas*
*Data in this table were derived from the two worksite questions from the Tobacco Indicators Module.
Statewide, 77.5% of worksites prohibit smoking in both public areas, such as lobbies, and work areas; the current rate is up considerably from 70.4% reported in 2002. In the N.E. NC-II region, the rate was substantially higher than the state rate.
XI. Other Tobacco Products
Ever used smokeless tobacco
Ever smoked a cigar
Current smokeless tobacco user
Ever Use Smokeless Tobacco
Q. Have you ever used or tried any smokeless tobacco products such as chewing tobacco or snuff?
Respondents from rural counties and the Western region were most likely to report ever using some type of smokeless tobacco product.
%
As one would expect, males were far more likely than females to report ever using smokeless tobacco. In general, ever using smokeless tobacco among Northeast NC II demographic groups was somewhat lower than the state.
Ever Smoked a Cigar
Q. Have you ever smoked a cigar, even one or two puffs?
An estimated 36% of adults in the state have ever smoked a cigar – well below the national rate.
Current Smokeless Tobacco User
*Data in this chart were derived from the smokeless tobacco use questions 1 and 2.
About 4% of adults across the state are current smokeless tobacco users; in Northeast NC II, the prevalence is only 1.9%.
XII. Tobacco Tax
XII. Tobacco Tax
Support for
XII. Tobacco Tax
Q. In some states, the tax is as little as three cents a pack or as high as one dollar and fifty cents. The national average is currently $0.59.
How much additional tax on a pack of cigarettes would you be willing to support if all the money raised was used to fund smoking prevention programs for our youth and/or help balance the budget?
Support For Tobacco Tax = any amount of additional tax on a pack of cigarettes. ‘DNK/not sure’ responses were excluded from the calculations.
The majority of adults (over 70%) in NC support some kind of tax on cigarettes if the money was used for the prevention of youth-smoking and/or help balance the state budget.
%
XII. Tobacco Tax
The support for a tobacco tax across Northeast NC II demographic groups was comparable to their statewide counterparts.
Support for Amount of Tax on Pack of Cigarettes by Smoking Status*
XII. Tobacco Tax
%
Q. In some states, the tax is as little as three cents a pack or as high as one dollar and fifty cents. The national average is currently $0.59.
How much additional tax on a pack of cigarettes would you be willing to support if all the money raised was used to fund smoking prevention programs for our youth and/or help balance the budget?
*Smokers include current everyday and occasional smokers.
There’s a noticeable difference between smokers and non-smokers with regard to the specific amount of tax on a pack of cigarettes: smokers tend to favor a tax of 49 cents or less, while non-smokers tend to favor a higher tax of one dollar or more. Also, almost a third of smokers are opposed to a tax of any amount, while only 20 of non-smokers are opposed to a tax.
XIII. Risk Factors
Obese
XIII. Risk Factors
Body mass index is computed as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared:(kg/ m2).
BMI is an intermediate variable used in defining overweight and obesity.
Obese=BMI greater than 30.0.
The statewide rate for obesity in 2003 was 24 percent, close to the rate of 23.6 percent reported in the 2002 NC BRFSS. In the N.E. NC-II region, the rate was nearly 31% - significantly higher than 2003 the state rate of obesity.
Overweight or Obese
XIII. Risk Factors
Not Overweight/Obese=BMI less than 25.0, and
Overweight/Obese= BMI greater than 25.0.
When being overweight is included with obesity, the risk more than doubles for adults in the state. Again, Northeast NC II had the highest rate.
Binge Drinking*
XIII. Risk Factors
*Binge Drinking = Respondents who report they did drink in the past 30 days and had five or more drinks on one or more occasions in the past month.
Under 10% of NC adults engaged in binge drinking in 2003, compared to almost 16% for the nation. The N.E. NC-II region had the highest rate of binge drinking of any region or the state.
Heavy Drinking*
XIII. Risk Factors
*Heavy Drinking = Respondents reported having MORE than 2 drinks/day for MALES and MORE than 1 drink/day for FEMALES.
Heavy drinking is reported much less frequently than binge drinking, which may be due to social desirability factors.
Current Smoker
Current smoking is defined by 2 questions:
Q1: “Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?”
Q2: “Do you now smoke cigarettes every day, some days, or not at all?
About one in four NC adults are current smokers.
Physically Inactive*
About 22% of NC adults are physically inactive.
No Leisure Time Activity*
XIII. Risk Factors
No leisure time activity = Respondents reporting no physical activity or exercise.
One quarter of NC adults reported no leisure time activity.
Less than 5 Daily Servings of Fruits/Vegetables*
XIII. Risk Factors
*Data in this table were derived from the fruits and vegetables questions.
Almost 8 out of 10 NC adults eat less than 5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
Cholesterol Never Checked or Checked > 5 Years Ago*
XIII. Risk Factors
*Data in this table were derived from the cholesterol awareness questions 1 and 2.
Roughly 25% of NC adults have never had a cholesterol check or had a check over 5 years ago.
XIV. HIV/AIDS
Ever Tested for HIV/AIDS*
XIV. HIV/AIDS
Q. As far as you know, have you ever been tested for HIV? Do not count tests you may have had as part of a blood donation.
*This question was asked only of respondents who reported being less than age 65 and who believed medical treatments were available for HIV.
About 47 percent of NC adults under age 65 have ever been tested for AIDS; about the same as that reported in the 2002 NC BRFSS of 46%.
%
XIV. HIV/AIDS
HIV testing rates tended to be somewhat lower among Northeast NC II demographic groups than that found among their statewide peers.
A Pregnant Woman w/HIV Can Get Treatment to Reduce Chances that Baby Will Acquire Virus*
XIV. HIV/AIDS
* This question was asked only of respondents who reported being less than age 65.
Q. I'm going to read two statements about HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. After I read each one, please tell me whether you think it is true or false, or if you don't know. A pregnant woman with HIV can get treatment to help reduce the chances that she w ill pass the virus on to her baby.
Chart features respondents who believed this statement was “true” – the correct response.
More than half of NC adults recognize that this is a true medical fact.
There Are Medical Treatments to Help Those w/HIV to Live Longer*
XIV. HIV/AIDS
* This question was asked only of respondents who reported being less than age 65.
Q. I'm going to read two statements about HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. After I read each one, please tell me whether you think it is true or false, or if you don't know. There are medical treatments available that are intended to help a person who is infected with HIV to live longer.
Chart features “true” responses.
In 2003, an estimated 87 percent of NC adults believe this statement to be true.
In Past Year, Counseled About Condom Use to Prevent STDs*
XIV. HIV/AIDS
Q. In the past 12 months has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional talked to you about preventing sexually transmitted diseases through condom use?
*This question was asked only of respondents who reported being less than age 65.
Among those less than age 65, about 11 percent of NC adults were counseled in the past year about condom use and prevention of STDs.
At Risk for HIV/AIDS: Sexual Risk or Intravenous Drug Use*
XIV. HIV/AIDS
I'm going to read you a list. When I'm done, please tell me if any of the situations apply to you. You don't need to tell me which one.
You have used intravenous drugs in the past year.
You have been treated for a sexually transmitted or venereal disease in the past year.
You have given or received money or drugs in exchange for sex in the past year.
You had anal sex without a condom in the past year.
Do any of these situations apply to you?
*This question was asked only of respondents who reported being less than age 65.
The risk for HIV/AIDS among Northeast NC II adults stands out as well above that of other regions or areas of the state. Due to small numbers, this percentage should be interpreted with caution.
XV. Obesity
Obesity by Limited Access to Health Care
Special Section
Obese
XV. Obesity-Special Sect.
About one-fourth of adults in the state are obese; in N.E. NC-II region, the rate jumps to 31%.
%
The prevalence of obesity in Northeast NC II, by sex, race, education and household income was noticeably higher than the state.
Obesity by Race/Ethnicity & Education
%
By race and ethnicity, African Americans and Native Americans have similarly high rates of obesity, while whites and Hispanics have relatively low rates of obesity.
With respect to education, the rate of obesity tends to decrease with increasing levels of education.
Obesity by Chronic Disease Status
%
The difference in obesity between diabetics and non-diabetics is striking: nearly half of all diabetics are obese, while the rate among non-diabetics falls back to about 22%, close to the state rate. The rate of obesity is also high among with those high blood pressure and high cholesterol, compared to those without these conditions.
Obesity by Health Risk Factors
%
%
Obesity is also related to health risk conditions. As one would expect, the prevalence of obesity is substantially higher among those trying to lose weight, compared to those not in need of losing weight. Obesity is also tends to be higher among those with no recent exercise, or those in fair or poor health
Obesity by Limited Access to Health Care
%
The strongest association between obesity and limited access to health care lies with the effect of cost preventing access.
XVI. Weight Control
XVI. Weight Control
Using physical activity to lose wt.
Eating fewer calories to lose wt.
Advised to lose weight
Ever Tried to Lose Weight
XVI. Weight Control
Q. For some people, this is a sensitive topic and you do not have to answer any question that you do not want to.
However, we would appreciate you answering them to the best of your ability. Have you ever tried to lose weight?
About 62% of adults statewide have ever tried to lose weight.
%
XVI. Weight Control
As one might expect, females are far more likely than males to have ever tried to lose weight. Weight loss efforts also appear to be more prevalent among higher educated adults, compared to those with a high school or less education.
There is little difference between the state and Northeast NC II demographic groups.
Now Trying to Lose Weight
XVI. Weight Control
Q. Are you now trying to lose weight?
For the state, an estimated 38.6 percent of the adult population are currently trying to lose weight. This percentage was slightly higher in Northeast NC II.
Now Trying to Maintain Current Weight
XVI. Weight Control
Q. Are you now trying to maintain your current weight, that is to keep from gaining weight?
About 59 percent of the NC adult population are now trying to maintain their current weight.
Using Physical Activity to Lose Weight or Keep from Gaining Weight*
XVI. Weight Control
Q. Are you using physical activity or exercise to lose weight or keep from gaining weight?
*Asked only of those who are trying to lose weight or keep from gaining weight.
Among those trying to lose weight or keep from gaining weight, about 65% are using physical activity to help.
Eating Fewer Calories & Less Fat to Lose Weight or Keep from Gaining Weight*
XVI. Weight Control
Q. Are you eating either fewer calories or less fat to lose weight or keep from gaining weight?
*Asked only of those who are trying to lose weight or keep from gaining weight.
A smaller proportion of NC adults, about 37%, are eating fewer calories and less fat to lose weight.
Given Advise to Lose Weight by Health Professional in Past Year
XVI. Weight Control
Q. In the past 12 months, has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional given you advice about your weight?
This question was asked of all respondents. Advise in this instance refers to advise about losing weight only.
The results indicate that only about 14% of NC adults in the past year were advised by a health professional to lose weight.
XVII. Weight Loss Products
Taken wt. loss pills prescribed by a doctor
Taken weight loss pills that contain ephedra
In Past Two Years, Taken Over-the-counter Weight Loss Pills*
Q. In the past 2 years, that is in the past 24 months, have you taken any over-the-counter weight loss products to control your weight?
This includes dietary supplements and natural or herbal weight loss products. Would you say...?
*Responses include: “Yes, you are currently/ taking them” or “Yes, you've taken/ them in past 2 years”
An estimated 8.9% of adults in NC are either currently taking over the counter weight loss pills or have taken such pills in the past two years.
%
These results indicate that females are about twice as likely as males to have taken over-the-counter weight loss pills. Young adults (18 to 44 yrs.) are also about twice as likely as older adults (45+ yrs) to have taken weight loss pills.
In Past Two Years, Taken Weight Loss Pills Prescribed by a Doctor*
Q. In the past 2 years, that is in the past 24 months, have you taken any weight loss pills prescribed by a doctor to control your weight?
Do not include water pills or thyroid medications. Would you say ...?
*Responses include: “Yes, you are currently/ taking them” or “Yes, you've taken/ them in past 2 years”
The use of doctor prescribed weight loss pills is less than half the use of over-the-counter weight loss products. For the state, 2.3% of adults have taken weight loss pills prescribed by a doctor.
Taking Over-the-counter Weight Loss Pills that Contain Ephedra*
*These results pertain only to those respondents who reported taking over-the-counter weight control products .
Among those who’ve taken over-the-counter weight loss pills, about half of adults in NC have taken over-the-counter weight loss pills that contain the controversial drug, Ephedra.
NOTE: Very small sample sizes limit the reliability of these results.
XVIII. Knowledge of Signs & Symptoms of Heart Attack and Stroke
XVIII. Heart Attack & Stroke
Knew all symptoms/heart attack
Knew All 5 Heart Attack Symptoms
Data in this chart were derived from six heart attack symptom questions (five of which are the correct ones).
About 11% of respondents could identify all the correct heart attack symptoms – the rate was slightly higher in the N.E. NC-II region.
Knew All 5 Stroke Symptoms
Data in this chart were derived from all five stroke symptom questions.
About 17% of NC adults could identify all 5 stroke symptoms correctly.
Percent Who Recognized Individual Symptoms* of a Heart Attack: Northeast NC II & NC
Q: Which of the following do you think is a symptom of a heart attack. For each, tell me yes, no, or you’re not sure.
Do you think pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back are symptoms of a heart attack?
Do you think pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder are symptoms of a heart attack?
Do you think shortness of breath is a symptom of a heart attack?
Do you think sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes is a symptom of a heart attack?
Do you think feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint are symptoms of a heart attack?
Do you think chest pain or discomfort are symptoms of a heart attack?
*Trouble seeing in one or both eyes is not a symptom of a heart attack.
The majority of respondents recognize that shoulder pain, chest pain or shortness of breath could be a symptom of a heart attack. There’s less certainty about the heart attack symptoms of feeling lightheaded or having pain in the jaw, neck or back.
Percent Who Recognized Individual Symptoms* of a Stroke: Northeast NC II & NC
Q: “Which of the following do you think is a symptom of a stroke. For each, tell me yes, no, or you’re not sure.
Do you think sudden confusion or trouble speaking are symptoms of a stroke?
Do you think severe headache with no known cause is a symptom of a stroke?
Do you think sudden chest pain or discomfort are symptoms of a stroke?
Do you think sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side, are symptoms of a stroke?
Do you think sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes is a symptom of a stroke?
Do you think sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance are symptoms of a stroke?
*Sudden chest pain is not a symptom of a stroke.
Regarding stroke, the majority of respondents recognize that sudden dizziness, sudden numbness of face, arm or leg, or sudden trouble speaking could be a symptom of a stroke. There’s less certainty about stroke symptoms regarding sudden severe headaches or sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Call 911 as First Response, if Someone Was Having a Heart Attack or Stroke*
Q. If you thought someone was having a heart attack or a stroke, what is the first thing you would do?
*The correct response is featured here.
All Response categories:
Call 911
Call 911 is the correct response.
Most adults, over 85% across all geographic strata, would call 911 as their first response if someone was having a heart attack or stroke.
XIX. Cardiovascular Disease
Diet changes to lower risk of CVD
Physical activity changes to lower risk of CVD
Aspirin use to lower risk of CVD
History of Any Cardiovascular Diseases*
*Includes heart attack or coronary heart disease or stroke.
The history of CVD in the N.E. NC-II region was somewhat higher than the state.
%
The history of CVD (cardiovascular disease) among Northeast NC II demographic groups follows the same pattern as that of the state, although it appears slightly higher for some groups.
History of Heart Attack
Q. Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional ever told you that you had any of the following:
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction?
The reported rate of history of a heart attack stands out among counties in the Western region.
History of Angina or Coronary Heart Disease
Angina or coronary heart disease?
Western counties continue to have the high rates of history of angina or coronary heart disease.
History of Stroke
A stroke?
The N.E. NC-II region has a slightly higher stroke rate than the state.
Eating Fewer High Fat or Cholesterol Foods to Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Q. To lower your risk of developing heart disease or stroke, are you...
Eating fewer high fat or high cholesterol foods?
About 71% of NC adults report that they are eating fewer high fat or cholesterol foods to lower their risk of CVD, exceeding the national rate by 5 percentage points.
Eating More Fruits/Vegetables to Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Eating fewer high fat or high cholesterol foods?
A slightly higher percentage – about 74% - are reporting that they’re eating more fruits and vegetables to lower their risk of CVD.
Being More Physically Active to Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
More physically active?
70% reported being more physical activity to reduce the risk of CVD; the rate in Northeast NC II, was the lowest of any strata.
Past 12 months, Health Professional Suggested Eating More Fruits/Vegetables
Q. Within the past 12 months, has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional told you to...
Eat more fruits and vegetables?
(The following 3 questions are the same as the previous 3, only in this case, we’re interested in whether a doctor or health professional may have also suggested these same strategies to lower the risks of CVD.)
About 30% of all respondents reported that a health professional suggested they eat more fruit and vegetables.
Past 12 months, Health Professional Suggested Being More Physically Active
Q. Within the past 12 months, has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional told you to...
Be more physically active?
Close to the same percentage indicate that a health professional has suggested they be more physically active.
Take Aspirin Daily or Every Other Day*
Do you take aspirin daily or every other day?
*This question was asked only of respondents who were age 35 and older.
More than one-third of adults take aspirin on a regular basis, either daily or every other day.
%
* Applies only to respondents age 35 and older.
Accept among 35 to 44 year olds, the percentage of regular aspirin takers are fairly similar between Northeast NC II and the state.
Take Aspirin to Relieve Pain*
Q. Why do you take aspirin... To relieve pain?
*This question was asked only of respondents who take aspirin regularly and are at least 35 years of age.
Among regular aspirin-takers, about 24% of NC adults take aspirin to relieve pain.
Take Aspirin to Reduce the Chance of a Heart Attack*
Q. Why do you take aspirin... To reduce the chance of a heart attack?
*This question was asked only of respondents who take aspirin regularly.
In North Carolina, among regular aspirin-takers a much higher percentage, about 87%, take aspirin to reduce the chance of a heart attack, with the highest rate found in rural counties.
Take Aspirin to Reduce the Chance of a Stroke*
Q. Why do you take aspirin... To reduce the chance of a stroke?
*This question was asked only of respondents who take aspirin regularly.
Among regular aspirin-takers, 81% take aspirin to reduce the chance of a stroke. There was little variation across geographic strata.
XX. Excess Sun Exposure
Had Sunburn in Past 12 Months
Q. The next question is about sunburns, including any time that even a small part of your skin was red for more than 12 hours. Have you had a sunburn within the past 12 months?
About 1 in 5 NC residents have had a sunburn in the past 12 months.
%
XX Excess Sun Exposure
As expected, having a sunburn in the past year is significantly more likely to occur among younger persons (18-44 yrs) than older persons (45+).
Had Four or More Sunburns in Past 12 Months
Q. Including times when even a small part of your skin was red for more than 12 hours, how many sunburns have you had within the past 12 months?
*Asked only of respondents who reported having a sunburn in past 12 months.
The highest risk of having 4 or more sunburns in the past year occurred in Northeast NC II.
XXI. Binge Drinking
How alcohol was obtained for most recent binge drinking
XXI. Binge Drinking
Binge Drinking*
XXI. Binge Drinking
*Binge Drinking = Respondents who report that they did drink in the past 30 days and had five or more drinks on one or more occasions in the past month.
Binge drinking ranged from a low of about 7.7% in the Eastern region and rural counties to high of 12.2% in Northeast NC II region.
%
XXI. Binge Drinking
For the Northeast NC II region, binge drinking was higher across all demographic groups, especially among 18 to 44 year olds.
Location for Most Recent Binge Drinking Occasion
XXI. Binge Drinking
Q. During this most recent occasion, where were you when you did most of your drinking?*
Categories:
Other
Binge drinking is most likely to occur at one’s own home or at another person’s home – together these locations account for about two-thirds of where binge drinking occurs.
An estimated 17 percent of binge drinking occurs in bars or night clubs.
How Alcohol Was Obtained, During Most Recent Binge Drinking Occasion
XXI. Binge Drinking
Q. During this most recent occasion, how did you get most of the alcohol?*
Response categories:
I bought it at Restaurant/Bar or club
Other
Under most circumstances, about 56% of the time, the individual engaged in binge drinking buys the alcohol from a store. About one-quarter of the time, someone else buys it.
XXII. Falls
XXII. Falls
Injured from last fall
Had a Fall in Past Three Months (ages 45+)
XXII. Falls
Q. The next question asks about a recent fall. By a fall, we mean when a person unintentionally comes to rest on the ground or another lower level.
In the past 3 months, have you had a fall?
*This question was asked of respondents ages 45 or older
Across most geographic strata, between 10 and 12 percent of adults reported having a fall in the past 3 months. In the Western region, however, the number reporting a fall jumped to 16.6% of the adult population.
Injured in the Fall
Q. Were you injured?
*This question was asked of respondents ages 45 or older who had a fall.
NOTE: Very small sample sizes limit reliability of these results.
Statewide, among those who had a recent fall, an estimated 39 percent were injured in the fall. In rural counties this rate was 41% and in Northeast NC II the injured rate jumped to nearly 50%.
XXIII. Physical Assault
Ever physically assaulted
Ever Physically Assaulted*
Q. Since you've been 18 years old, has anyone (including a relative, current or ex-husband/wife, current or ex- boyfriend/ girlfriend, acquaintance, stranger, etc) ever pushed, hit, slapped, kicked, or physically hurt you in any other way?
About 18% of adults across the state reported ever being physically assaulted.
%
A history of physical violence was somewhat lower among N.E. NC-II demographic groups.
Person Who Committed Most Recent Assault
Q: I’d like you to think about the most recent time this violence occurred. Who was the person who did this to you most recently? [If prompting is required, read all response categories. Check only one response.]
Categories:
06 Acquaintance
07 Stranger
77 Don’t know/Not Sure
In almost half of all recent physical assaults, the person committing the assault was the victim’s ex-husband/wife or ex-partner;
this is followed by a relative or acquaintance committing the most recent assault.
All Persons You Told About Most Recent Assault
Q. Who were all the persons you told about this most recent violence?
Categories (check all that apply):
01 No one
02 Friends/family members
06 Someone working in a rape crisis center/sexual assault program
07 Someone working in a domestic violence program
08 Someone else
XIV. Healthy People 2010 Objectives
(tracked by 2003 BRFSS data)
Access to Health Insurance
Health Insurance Coverage
(ages 18 to 64)
XXIV. HP 2010 Objectives
HP 2010 Target: 100%
Statewide, about 80% of North Carolina adults, ages 18 to 64, have health insurance.
Had Flu Shot in Past Year – Age 65+
HP 2010 Target: 80%
Q. During the past 12 months, have you had a flu shot?
*This indicator pertains to those age 65 and older.
Statewide, about 69% of adults, ages 65 and older, had a flu shot in the past 12 months; this rate falls short of the HP 2010 target by 11 percentage points. In Northeast NC II, the percentage of older adults with a recent flu shot was only 55.9%.
Ever Had a Pneumonia Shot – Age 65+
HP 2010 Target: 90%
*This indicator pertains to those age 65 and older.
About 67% of adults, age 65 and older, have ever had a pneumonia shot.
Urban counties came closest to meeting this indicator.
Reduce Obesity - Age 20+
HP 2010 Target: 15%
An estimated 24.5% of NC adults, ages 20 and older, are obese, exceeding HP2010 target reduction by about 9½ percentage point; in N.E. NC-II region, the rate is about 15 percentage points above the target.
Reduce No Leisure Time Activity*
HP 2010 Target: 20%
No leisure time activity = Respondents reporting no physical activity or exercise.
Across the state, 25% of adults (ages 18+) had no leisure time activities in the past month, which within 5 percentage points of the
target. In 2002, 30% of adults had no leisure time activity.
Vigorous Physical Activity/3 Times Week*
HP 2010 Target: 30%
* Respondents who report doing vigorous physical activity for 20 or more minutes per day, three or more days per week.
In 2003, about 19% of NC adults participated in vigorous activity for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week; the HP 2010 target calls for 30%.
Reduce Binge Drinking*
HP 2010 Target: 6%
*Binge drinking is defined as those who reported drinking in the past 30 days AND had five or more drinks on one or more occasions.
About 12% of adults in the N.E. NC-II region were binge drinkers, twice the HP 2010 target reduction rate.
Reduce Smoking
HP 2010 Target: 12%

The statewide smoking rate is slightly higher than the national rate and over twice the percentage of the HP 2010 target of 12%.
Northeast NC II
or past year
Taking diabetes pills
N.E. NC-IINC
Craven/Pamlico 456 Northeastern Partnership 975
Stokes/Surry/Yadkin 438 Mountain AHEC 1308
Regions
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
12.6
13.3
12.5
13.2
11.5
13.6
13.6
12.9

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Documents