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Calendar Year 2010 Results

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

2010 BRFSS Topics for Union County

BRFSS 2010 Annual Results Technical Notes

Health Status (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• Would you say that in general your health is:

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Healthy Days (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• 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?
• 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?
• 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?

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Health Care Access (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• Do you have any kind of health care coverage, including health insurance, prepaid plans such as HMOs, or government plans such as Medicare?
• Health Insurance Coverage (Under Age 65)
• Health Insurance Coverage for Those Employed for Wages (Under Age 65)
• Do you have one person you think of as your personal doctor or health care provider?
• Was there a time during the last 12 months when you needed to see a doctor, but could not because of the cost?
• About how long has it been since you last visited a doctor for a routine checkup?

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Sleep (see results for 2008)

• During the past 30 days, for about how many days have you felt you did not get enough rest or sleep?

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Exercise (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• During the past month, other than your regular job, did you participate in any physical activities or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise?

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Diabetes (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have diabetes?
• How old were you when you were told you have diabetes?
• Are you now taking insulin?
• About how often do you check your blood for glucose or sugar? Include times when checked by a family member or friend, but do not include times when checked by a health professional.
• About how often do you check your feet for any sores or irritations? Include times when checked by a family member or friend, but do not include times when checked by a health professional.
• About how many times in the past 12 months have you seen a doctor, nurse, or other health professional for your diabetes?
• A test for hemoglobin 'A one C' measures the average level of blood sugar over the past three months. About how many times in the past 12 months has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional checked you for hemoglobin 'A one C'?
• Reported number of times respondents with diabetes had a test for hemoglobin 'A one C' in past 12 months that includes those that have never heard of the test or don't know (DNK) if they have ever had the test.
• About how many times in the last year has a health professional checked your feet for any sores or irritations?
• When was the last time you had an eye exam in which the pupils were dilated? This would have made you temporarily sensitive to bright light.
• Has a doctor ever told you that diabetes has affected your eyes or that you had retinopathy?
• Have you ever taken a course or class in how to manage your diabetes yourself?

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Oral Health (see results for 2004, 2006, 2008)

• How long has it been since you last visited a dentist or a dental clinic for any reason?
• How many of your permanent teeth have been removed because of tooth decay or gum disease? Do not include teeth lost for other reasons, such as injury or orthodontics.
• How long has it been since you had your teeth cleaned by a dentist or dental hygienist?
• Adults aged 18+ that have had permanent teeth extracted (CDC calculated variable)
• Adults aged 65+ who have had all their natural teeth extracted (CDC calculated variable)
• Adults that have visited a dentist, dental hygenist or dental clinic within the past year (CDC calculated variable)

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Cardiovascular Disease Prevalence (see results for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional ever told you that you had a heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction?
• Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional ever told you that you had angina or coronary heart disease?
• Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional ever told you that you had a stroke?
• History of Any Cardiovascular Diseases (heart attack or coronary heart disease or stroke)

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Asthma (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you had asthma?
• Do you still have asthma?

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Disability (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• Are you limited in any way in any activities because of physical, mental, or emotional problems?
• 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?
• A disability can be physical, mental, emotional, or communication related. Do you consider yourself to have a disability?
• Because of any impairment or health problem, do you have any trouble learning, remembering, or concentrating?
• Disability Status

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Tobacco Use (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?
• Do you now smoke cigarettes everyday, some days, or not at all?
• During the past 12 months, have you stopped smoking for one day or longer because you were trying to quit smoking?
• How long has it been since you last smoked cigarettes regularly?
• Do you currently use chewing tobacco or snuff every day, some days, or not at all?
• Smoking Status
• Current Smoker

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Alcohol Consumption (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• During the past 30 days, have you had at least one drink of any alcoholic beverage such as beer, wine, a malt beverage, or liquor?
• During the past 30 days, how many days per week or per month did you have at least one drink of any alcoholic beverage?
• One drink is equivalent to a 12 ounce beer, a 5 ounce glass of wine, or a drink with one shot of liquor.
  During the past 30 days, on the days when you drank, about how many drinks did you drink on the average?
• Considering all types of alcoholic beverages, how many times during the past 30 days did you have 5 or more drinks on an occasion?
• During the past 30 days, what is the largest number of drinks you had on any occasion?
• Binge Drinking
• Heavy Drinking

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Immunization (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• A flu shot is an influenza vaccine injected in your arm. During the past 12 months, have you had a flu shot?
• During the past 12 months, have you had a flu vaccine that was sprayed in your nose?
• Have you ever had a pneumonia shot?

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Falls (see results for 2008)

• In the past 3 months, how many times have you fallen?
• How many of these falls caused an injury?

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Seatbelt Use (see results for 2006, 2008)

• How often do you use seatbelts when you drive or ride in a car?

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Drinking & Driving (see results for 2006, 2008)

• During the past 30 days, how many times have you driven when you've had perhaps too much to drink?

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Women's Health (see results for 2004, 2006, 2008)

• A mammogram is an x-ray of each breast to look for breast cancer. Have you ever had a mammogram?
• How long has it been since you had your last mammogram?
• A clinical breast exam is when a doctor, nurse, or other health professional feels the breast for lumps. Have you ever had a clinical breast exam?
• How long has it been since your last breast exam?
• Had a mammogram within the past 2 years (Age 40+) (CDC calculated variable)
• Had a mammogram within the past 2 years (Age 50+) (CDC calculated variable)
• Had a mammogram within the past 2 years and a clinical breast exam within a year (Age 40+)
• A Pap test is a test for cancer of the cervix. Have you ever had a Pap test?
• How long has it been since you had your last Pap test?
• Women age 18+ who have had a Pap test in the last 3 years? (CDC calculated variable)
• Have you had a hysterectomy?

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Prostate Cancer Screening (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008)

• A Prostate-Specific Antigen test, also called a PSA test, is a blood test used to check men for prostate cancer. Have you ever had a PSA test?
• How long has it been since you had your last PSA test?
• Male respondents aged 40+ that have had a PSA test in the past 2 years.
• A digital rectal exam is an exam in which a doctor, nurse, or other health professional places a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the size, shape, and hardness of the prostate gland. Have you ever had a digital rectal exam?
• How long has it been since you had your last digital rectal exam?
• Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you had prostate cancer?

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Colorectal Cancer Screening (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008)

• A blood stool test is a test that may use a special kit at home to determine whether the stool contains blood. Have you ever had this test using a home kit?
• How long has it been since you had your last blood stool test using a home kit?
• Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy are exams in which a tube is inserted in the rectum to view the bowel for signs of cancer or other health problems. Have you ever had either of these exams?
• Was your most recent exam a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy?
• How long has it been since you had your last sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy?

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HIV/AIDS (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• Have you ever been tested for HIV? Do not count tests you may have had as part of a blood donation.
• Where did you have the HIV test?
• Was it a rapid test where you could get your results within a couple of hours?
• Do any of these situations apply to you in the past year: have used intravenous drugs, have been treated for a sexually transmitted or venereal disease, have given or received money or drugs in exchange for sex, had anal sex without a condom?

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Emotional Support and Life Satisfaction (see results for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• How often do you get the social and emotional support you need?
• In general, how satisfied are you with your life?

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Pre-Diabetes (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009)

• Have you had a test for high blood sugar or diabetes within the past three years?
• Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you have pre-diabetes or borderline diabetes?

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General Preparedness

• How well prepared do you feel your household is to handle a large-scale disaster or emergency? Would you say…
• Does your household have a 3-day supply of water for everyone who lives there? A 3-day supply of water is 1 gallon of water per person per day.
• Does your household have a 3-day supply of nonperishable food for everyone who lives there? By nonperishable we mean food that does not require refrigeration or cooking.
• Does your household have a 3-day supply of prescription medication for each person who takes prescribed medicines?
• Does your household have a working battery operated radio and working batteries for your use if the electricity is out?
• Does your household have a working flashlight and working batteries for your use if the electricity is out?
• In a large-scale disaster or emergency, what would be your main method or way of communicating with relatives and friends?
• What would be your main method or way of getting information from authorities in a large-scale disaster or emergency?
• Does your household have a written disaster evacuation plan for how you will leave your home, in case of a large-scale disaster or emergency that requires evacuation?
• If public authorities announced a mandatory evacuation from your community due to a large-scale disaster or emergency, would you evacuate?
• What would be the main reason you might not evacuate if asked to do so?

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Diabetes Control (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009)

• Urine tests for protein (microalbuminuria test) check if your kidneys are working properly. When was the last time that you received a urine test for protein?
• Has a doctor ever told you that diabetes has affected your kidneys?
• During the past 12 months, was there any time that you did not have testing supplies (strips, lancets, meter) or diabetes medicine due to lack of money?
• In the last year, have you had a hospitalization or emergency visit because of your diabetes?

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Folic Acid (see results for 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008)

• How often do you now take a multivitamin?
• How often did you take a multivitamin six months ago?

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Prescription Medication Adherence

• Has there ever been a time when you have NOT filled or refilled a medication prescribed by a doctor or dentist or other health professional?
• How long ago was the last time you did NOT fill or refill medication prescribed by a doctor or other health professional?
• I’m going to read a list of reasons people sometime don’t get their medications filled or refilled. Do any of these reasons apply to you … You did not get the prescription filled because you did not think the medicine would help?
• I’m going to read a list of reasons people sometime don’t get their medications filled or refilled. Do any of these reasons apply to you … You were concerned about the side effects of the medicine?
• I’m going to read a list of reasons people sometime don’t get their medications filled or refilled. Do any of these reasons apply to you … After taking the medication, it did not seem to help?
• I’m going to read a list of reasons people sometime don’t get their medications filled or refilled. Do any of these reasons apply to you … You could not afford to pay for the medicine?
• I’m going to read a list of reasons people sometime don’t get their medications filled or refilled. Do any of these reasons apply to you … You have refills available but not needed at this time.
• Did your doctor or health professional talk to you about the importance of taking all of your medicine(s)?

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Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) (see results for 2008, 2009)

• A vaccine to prevent the human papillomavirus or HPV infection is available and is called cervical cancer vaccine, HPV shot, or GARDASIL. Have you EVER had the HPV vaccination?

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Traumatic Brain Injury (see results for 2009)

• A brain Injury can result from a blow or jolt to the head caused by a fall, a motor vehicle accident, a sports injury, or an assault. A brain injury can also occur from a health problem like a tumor or a stoke. Have you ever had a brain injury that limited you in any way for more than a week in any activities?
• What was the cause of the brain injury?

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Secondhand Smoke I (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008)

• On how many of the past 7 days, did someone smoke in your indoor workplace while you were there?
• On how many of the past 7 days, did anyone smoke in your home while you were there?
• Which of the following best describes your indoor place of works' official smoking policy?
• In North Carolina, as of January 2nd, 2010, restaurants and bars are required to be smoke free. I am going to read you a list of places. For each one, please tell me whether or not you would like it required to be smoke free: Indoor workplaces?
• I am going to read you a list of places. For each one, please tell me whether or not you would like it required to be smoke free: Grocery stores?
• I am going to read you a list of places. For each one, please tell me whether or not you would like it required to be smoke free: Convenience stores?
• I am going to read you a list of places. For each one, please tell me whether or not you would like it required to be smoke free: Indoor recreation facilities such as bowling alleys and bingo halls?
• I am going to read you a list of places. For each one, please tell me whether or not you would like it required to be smoke free: Outdoor or partly enclosed sports venues such as baseball and football stadiums?
• I am going to read you a list of places. For each one, please tell me whether or not you would like it required to be smoke free: Outdoor parks?
• I am going to read you a list of places. For each one, please tell me whether or not you would like it required to be smoke free: Playgrounds?
• I am going to read you a list of places. For each one, please tell me whether or not you would like it required to be smoke free: Outdoor dining areas?

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Smoking Cessation (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)

• In the past 12 months, did any doctor, dentist, nurse, or other health professional advise you to quit smoking cigarettes or using any other tobacco products?
• Did your doctor, nurse or other health professional recommend or discuss medication to assist you with quitting smoking, such as nicotine gum, patch, nasal spray, inhaler, lozenge, or prescription medication such as Wellbutrin-Zyban-Buproprion?
• Did your doctor or health provider recommend or discuss methods and strategies other than medication to assist you with quitting smoking?

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NC Tobacco Use Prevention (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)

• The North Carolina tax on a pack of cigarettes is currently 45 cents and the national average is $1.34. Would you favor or oppose raising North Carolina's cigarette tax to $1.34 if part of the tax revenue was used was used to help reduce smoking?

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TRU Campaign (see results for 2007, 2008, 2009)

• In the last 12 months, have you heard about or seen the North Carolina TRU (or Tobacco. Reality. Unfiltered.) media campaign directed at preventing tobacco use among youth?

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Quit Now NC (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• A telephone quitline is a free telephone-based service that connects people who smoke cigarettes
  or use tobacco products with trained quit coaches who can help them quit. Have you heard of the North Carolina Tobacco Use Quitline at 1-800-QuitNow or the website, QuitlineNC.org as a resource to help tobacco users quit??

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Gambling Behavior (see results for 2007, 2008, 2009)

• In the past 12 months, have you gambled or played any games for money?
• How much money do you usually wager on a day when you play for money?
• Have you ever tried to cut down or control your gambling?
• Have you ever lied to family members or friends about how much you gamble or how much money you have lost gambling?
• Have there ever been periods for 2 weeks or more when you spent a lot of time thinking about gambling or planning future gambling?

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Sexual Behavior (see results for 2006, 2008)

• During the past 12 months, with how many people have you had sexual intercourse?
• During the past 12 months, have you had sex with only males, only females, or both? (Results not presented due to small numbers.)
• Have you been with this person for less than 12 months or more than 12 months?
• How many new sex partners did you have during the past twelve months? (Results not presented due to small numbers.)
• In the past five years, have you been treated for a sexually transmitted or venereal disease?

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Sexual & Physical Violence (see results for 2007, 2009)

• Has a stranger ever forced you to have sex or to do sexual things?
• Has a partner or ex-partner ever forced you to have sex or to do sexual things?
• Has someone you knew, not including a partner or ex-partner, ever forced you to have sex or to do sexual things?
• Has a stranger ever pushed, hit, slapped, kicked, or physically hurt you in any other way?
• Has a partner or ex-partner ever pushed, hit, slapped, kicked, or physically hurt you in any other way?
• Has someone you knew, not including a partner or ex-partner, ever pushed, hit, slapped, kicked, or physically hurt you in any other way?

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Derived Variables and Risk Factors (see results for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

• Body Mass Index Grouping-Underweight, Recommended Range, Overweight and Obese
• Adults who have a body mass index greater than 25.00 (Overweight or Obese)
• Health Insurance Coverage (Under Age 65)
• Health Insurance Coverage for Those Employed for Wages (Under Age 65)
• Smoking Status
• Current Smoker
• Binge Drinking
• Heavy Drinking
• Had a mammogram within the past 2 years (Age 40+)
• Had a mammogram within the past 2 years and a clinical breast exam within a year (Age 40+)
• Females age 18+ who have had a Pap test in the past 3 years? (CDC calculated variable)
• Males aged 40+ that have had a PSA test in the past 2 years.
• Disability Status

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