Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance, 1991: Monitoring Progress Toward the Nation's Year 2000 Health Objectives

Problem/Condition: Risk reduction is a major focus of the national health objectives for the year 2000. Progress toward several of these objectives can be evaluated by using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Year 2000 objective areas measurable by BRFSS data include those for overweight, lack of physical activity, smoking, safety belt use, and medical screening for breast and cervical cancer and elevated blood cholesterol. BRFSS data have been used to guide health promotion/disease prevention programs. Reporting Period: 1991. Description of System: BRFSS is a state-based random-digit-dialing telephone survey of noninstitutionalized adults (≥18 years of age); 47 states and the District of Columbia participated in BRFSS in 1991. Results: Some year 2000 objectives appear to be readily attainable for many states, whereas others do not. For example, among participating states, a median 57.8% (range = 45.6%–82.8%) of women ages ≥50 years reported having had both a clinical breast examination and a mammogram in the previous 2 years (year 2000 objective: ≥60%). In contrast, a median 37.3% (range = 22.1%–52.5%) of persons with annual family income