This research examines variations among health, personal behavior, and lifestyle characteristics according to ethnic/racial groups (e.g., Hispanics, non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks, etc.). We examined the relationship between general health and the following variables: gender, race, age, smoking status, amount of alcoholic beverages consumed in past month, and participation in physical activity. We downloaded from CD-ROM the Centers for Disease Control Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, which measures the behavioral risk factors of the adult population 18 years of age and older. The original data containing 124,085 observations was reduced to 1,134 observations when we delimited the data to include only California residents age 55 and above (age range=55 to 98). A majority of the sample (78%) rated their general health as "excellent", "very good", or "good". Approximately 76% (862) of participants participated in physical activity such as vigorous or moderate exercise. More than 56% (638) of the respondents reported that they had smoked at least 100 cigarettes. Another 53% (604) of the respondents reported that they had consumed alcoholic beverages in the past month. There was a significant difference in general health for Hispanics as compared with non-Hispanics. When asked about general health 80% of non-Hispanics rated their general health as being positive ("excellent", "very good", or "good") while only 60% of Hispanics did so. Yet, no significant difference was reported in the general health of Whites and Blacks. This study adds to the foundation of information regarding the role of lifestyle factors in physical health and longevity. See www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/brfss
Learning Objectives: · Examine the relationship between general health and personal behaviors · Articulate the procedure for accessing the Centers for Disease Control Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey · Recognize variations in health, personal behavior, lifestyle of various ethnic/racial groups
Keywords: Aging, Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 1996 Survey Data
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.