Data are available by state from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for estimating health risk factors among adults, but their usefulness for providing urban area estimates has not been systematically evaluated heretofore. Data from the 1999 BRFSS were reweighted using intercensal estimates to reflect the sociodemographics for 90 urban areas in the U.S. with >300 survey respondents. Current smoking was defined as having smoked 100 cigarettes in a lifetime and for the past month smoked every day or some days. Obesity was defined as having a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 m/kg2. We found a wide range of estimates among cities for both risk factors. Smoking prevalence ranged from 13.7% in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to 32.8% in the Huntington-Ashland area of WV/OH/KY (median estimate: 22.9%). The prevalence of obesity ranged from 11.2% in Phoenix, AZ, to 28.5% in Charleston, WV (median estimate: 18.9%). Additional analyses will be presented based on pooled BRFSS data from 1997 through 1999, and estimates will also be provided examining data for the 10 largest urban areas by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Implications of using BRFSS data as a source for urban estimates and research possibilities for scientists will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the differences that exist across urban areas for cigarette smoking and obesity among adults. 2. Describe the potential for using BRFSS-developed urban estimates for local public health practice and for research.
Keywords: Surveillance, Urban Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.