DCHD Assesses Behavioral Risk Factors in Jacksonville

Click here to read the report.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Duval County Health Department (DCHD) has released a comprehensive report of its research on behavioral risk factors as analyzed through the 2007 Duval County Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).  The report, Behaviors: The Actual Leading Causes of Death, is the second of three studies published by DCHD’s Center for Health Statistics utilizing data from the BRFSS.  Behavioral risk factors contribute to major causes of death, illness, and disability.   Chronic diseases—such as cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke), cancer, and diabetes—are among the most prevalent, costly, and preventable of all health problems. 

The report features data revealing local health disparities including: Over 62% of adults in Duval County are overweight or obese. Within this indicator the report states that African American males have the highest rate of adults who are overweight or obese. The report also reveals that one-third of adults in Duval County meet “moderate physical activity” recommendations. At 30%, African Americans have the highest sedentary rate among adults per race and gender. In the area of tobacco and alcohol use, data reveals heavy binge drinking differs geographically. Residents in Health Zone 6 (see DCHD Health Zone map in report) reported the highest percentage of heavy or binge drinking followed by Health Zone 3 with 25.2% and 23%, respectively. Heavy or binge drinking is also most likely to occur in adults with an annual income of more than $50,000. Data also reveals that almost one-quarter of residents are current smokers.

”This follow up report continues to highlight how what people do day to day determines how healthy they will be and how long they live“, said Dr. William Livingood, Director of DCHD Institute for Health, Policy and Evaluation Research. “The report forces us to pay particular attention to chronic diseases and how they impact our health care system.”

The BRFSS is a state-based telephone survey administered to adults age 18 and over to assess various aspects of health related behavior, including health risk behaviors, preventive health practices, and health care access, primarily related to chronic disease and injury.  Behavior plays a major role in premature morbidity and mortality, particularly chronic diseases, and impact the health care system substantially. The BRFSS is the primary data source for all adult behaviors related to health.

With input and funding from the Duval County Health Department, in 2007, the Florida Department of Health collected a sample of 1,815 in Duval County, yielding the largest local sample ever conducted in the state of Florida.   

To access the report online go to www.dchd.net. For questions about the report contact Rebecca Filipowicz, MPH, MS, CHES Coordinator, Center for Health Statistics Institute for Health, Policy and Evaluation Research Duval County Health Department at 253-2051.