2007 BRFSS Survey of State Employees

2007 BRFSS Survey of State Employees

Stacey Schubert, MPHSenior Research Analyst

Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention [email protected]

971-673-1099

Stay Well Coordinators, July 8, 2009

Results You Can Use

mailto:[email protected]


First, What is the “BRFSS?”

• Stands for “Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System”

• Cross-sectional telephone survey of Oregon adults, conducted continuously since 1988

• Questions about health behaviors, risk factors and chronic diseases

• A pillar of chronic disease surveillance

What is the “BRFSS Survey of State Employees?” (BSSE)

• Conducted in 2005, 2007 and planned for 2009/10

• Contains subset of BRFSS questions, as well as questions on worksite policies and environments that can influence healthful choices

• Designed and funded by Public Health and Public Employees Benefit Board


What is the “BRFSS Survey of State Employees?” (BSSE)

• Surveyed employees were in state agencies (“State employees”) and Oregon University System


Comparing BRFSS to “BSSE”

• Comparing results can help us identify areas for improvements, where we are doing well

• When comparing BSSE to BRFSS, we limited BRFSS group to self-employed or employed for wages adults


Comparing BRFSS to “BSSE”

• Two comparisons you’ll see: – State employees vs. Employed Oregon

adults– State employees vs. Oregon University

System employees (within BSSE)• Except where noted, all data are 2007• All results were weighted and age-

adjusted for accurate comparisons


Now Let’s Look at The Data

Demographic Results


State Employees

Employed OR Adults

Median age 49 yrs old 40 yrs old

Women 55% 46%Income > $50K 58% 55%College Grad 57% 40%

Note: Throughout the rest of the presentation, significant differences in point estimates are highlighted in yellow.

Receipt of Screenings


State Employees

Employed OR Adults*

Mammogram <2 yr 84% 76%

Pap test <3 yr 91% 87%

Blood Stool <1 yr 15% 15%

Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy <5yr

55% 46%

Blood cholesterol <5 yr 82% 70%* Cancer screening data are from 2006 BRFSS

Risk Factors for Chronic Disease


State Employees

Employed OR Adults

Current Smoker 11% 17%

Don’t meet PA recs 56% 44%Don’t eat 5+ fruits/ vegs per day

77% 74%

PA = physical activity

Precursors to Chronic Disease


State Employees

Employed OR Adults

High blood pressure 24% 22%

High cholesterol 31% 31%

Overweight 35% 37%

Obese 35% 27%

Body Mass Index, Females, Oregon, 2007


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Public Employees: BSSE

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Body Mass Index, Males, Oregon, 2007


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Public Employees: BSSE

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Weight Management and Loss


State Employees

OR Univ System

Trying to loseTrying to maintainTotal: lose or maintain

57%32%89%

47%40%87%

Exercise for weight 78% 80%

Reduce calories or fat for weight

82% 72%

Been advised to lose 22% 12%

Prevalence of Chronic Disease


State Employees

Employed OR Adults

Angina/Heart disease 2% 2%

Arthritis 23% 20%

Asthma 9% 9%

Diabetes 7% 5%

Doctor diagnosed depression last 12 mo.

12% 9%

Supportive Worksite Policies


State Employees

OR Univ System

Tobacco free bldg impt 92% 93%

Have flextime for PA 45% 61%

-- Use flex for PA 54% 63%

Have healthy foods in cafeteria or vending

21% 54%

-- Chose healthy foods 63% 76%

Group Discussion: Which Results are

Most Notable?

Documents

2007 BRFSS Survey of State Employees