Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #109156

Gilberto Ramos-Valencia, DrPH, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, UPR School of Public Heath, P.O. Box 365067, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, 787-758-2525 ext 1427, gramos@rcm.upr.edu

The main purpose of this study was to provide estimates of a broad range of health measures for civilian noninstitutionalized persons in Puerto Rico in order to facilitate the Health Department to establish policies and set priorities. A probability sample of households representative of each of the 78 municipalities was selected using a multistage stratified cluster sample design. The interviewed sample consisted in 17,858 households, which yielded information about 53,559 persons. Trained interviewers collects information during face to face interview, on health conditions and limitations, health behaviors, and utilization of health care services for all the family members. The most prevalent health conditions were hypertension (12%), asthma (11%), and diabetes (7%). More than 25% of the population presented a respiratory condition.. Only 42% of the population described as excellent or very good their health and 93% of the population had health insurance coverage. In the last 12 months the 23% of the population visited a doctor and 11% visited the dentist. More than 25% of adults were former smokers, while 15% were current smokers. 58% of current smokers were interested in quit smoking. 28% percent of adults were current regular drinkers and 69% did not engage in any physical activity. Municipalities were sort based on their prevalence rates and age group for each of the conditions. Pilot intervention projects were developed and implemented in a series of municipalities based on their specifics needs as described by the PRCHS. An in depth analysis will be presented in the session.

Learning Objectives:

• To identify the most prevalent health conditions in Puerto Rican population
• To identify the principal health needs of PR population deferenciate by municipalities

Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Public Health Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.