Behavioral Risk Factor Report for Baker Springs, TN (2020)

Introduction

The Behavioral Risk Factor Report for Baker Springs, TN, presents an in-depth analysis of the city’s health behaviors, chronic health conditions, healthcare access, preventive health services, and mental health status based on data collected in 2020 by the Baker Springs Health Department. Baker Springs, with a population of approximately 301,650, is a mid-sized city located in East Tennessee. This comprehensive report aims to provide insights into the health and well-being of the residents of Baker Springs and to highlight areas requiring public health intervention. Download the full Behavioral Risk Factor Report for 2020 here.

Demographic Overview

Health Risk Factors

Chronic Health Conditions

Health Care Access

Preventive Health Services

Mental Health

Core Sections

1: Health Status

  • General Health Status: In general, 15% of residents reported their health as “Excellent,” 25% as “Very Good,” 30% as “Good,” 20% as “Fair,” and 10% as “Poor.”

2: Healthy Days

  • Physical Health: In the past 30 days, 25% of residents reported experiencing poor physical health for at least one day, with an average of 5.6 days.
  • Mental Health: In the past 30 days, 20% of residents reported experiencing poor mental health for at least one day, with an average of 4.8 days.
  • Activity Limitation: Due to poor physical or mental health, 10% of residents reported being unable to carry out usual activities for at least one day, with an average of 3.2 days.

3: Health Care Access

  • Health Coverage: 85% of residents have some form of health coverage, while 15% are uninsured.
  • Affordability: 12% of residents reported not being able to see a doctor in the past 12 months due to cost.
  • Routine Checkup: 70% of residents had a routine checkup within the past year.

4: Exercise

  • Physical Activity: 55% of residents met the recommended physical activity guidelines, while 25% reported no leisure-time physical activity.

5: Inadequate Sleep

  • Sleep Duration: 30% of residents reported getting less than 7 hours of sleep per night on average, which is below the recommended amount for adults.

6: Oral Health

  • Dental Visits: 65% of residents visited a dentist or dental clinic within the past year.
  • Tooth Loss: 15% of residents reported having lost six or more teeth due to decay or gum disease.

7: Chronic Health Conditions

  • Heart Attack: 5% of residents have been diagnosed with having had a heart attack.
  • Angina or Coronary Heart Disease: 6% of residents have been diagnosed with angina or coronary heart disease.
  • Stroke: 4% of residents have been diagnosed with having had a stroke.
  • Asthma: 10% of residents have been diagnosed with asthma, and 7% still have asthma.
  • Skin Cancer: 7% of residents have been diagnosed with skin cancer.
  • Other Cancer: 6% of residents have been diagnosed with some form of cancer other than skin cancer.
  • COPD: 8% of residents have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Depression: 15% of residents have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder.
  • Kidney Disease: 3% of residents have been diagnosed with kidney disease.
  • Arthritis: 20% of residents have been diagnosed with arthritis.
  • Diabetes: 10% of residents have been diagnosed with diabetes, with an additional 6% diagnosed with prediabetes.

8: Demographics

  • Age: Distribution as previously listed.
  • Ethnicity: Distribution as previously listed.
  • Marital Status: 50% married, 12% divorced, 8% widowed, 6% separated, 24% never married.
  • Education Level: 90% have at least a high school diploma, 60% have some college education, 35% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
  • Employment Status: 60% employed, 5% unemployed, 20% retired, 15% not in the labor force (e.g., homemakers, students).
  • Income Level: 15% below $25,000, 30% between $25,000 and $50,000, 35% between $50,000 and $100,000, 20% above $100,000.

9: Disability

  • Hearing Difficulty: 5% of residents reported being deaf or having serious difficulty hearing.
  • Vision Difficulty: 7% of residents reported being blind or having serious difficulty seeing, even when wearing glasses.
  • Cognitive Difficulty: 10% of residents reported having serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition.
  • Mobility Difficulty: 12% of residents reported having serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
  • Self-Care Difficulty: 4% of residents reported having difficulty dressing or bathing.
  • Independent Living Difficulty: 7% of residents reported having difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor’s office or shopping due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition.

10: Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening

  • Mammogram: 70% of women aged 40 and older reported having had a mammogram within the past two years.
  • Pap Test: 80% of women aged 21 to 65 reported having had a Pap test within the past three years.

11: Colorectal Cancer Screening

  • Screening Tests: 60% of adults aged 50 and older reported having had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy within the past ten years.

12: Tobacco Use

  • Current Use: 18% of residents are current smokers.
  • Former Use: 22% of residents are former smokers.
  • Never Smoked: 60% of residents have never smoked.

13: Lung Cancer Screening

  • CT Scan: 15% of residents who have smoked in the past or currently smoke have had a CT or CAT scan of the chest area mainly to check or screen for lung cancer.

14: Alcohol Consumption

  • Alcohol Use: 15% of residents reported binge drinking (5 or more drinks on one occasion for men, 4 or more for women) within the past 30 days.
  • Heavy Drinking: 7% of residents reported heavy drinking (15 or more drinks per week for men, 8 or more for women) within the past 30 days.

15: Immunization

  • Flu Vaccination (past year): 50% of residents reported having received a flu vaccine.
  • Pneumonia Vaccination (ever): 30% of residents reported having received a pneumonia vaccine.

16: H.I.V./AIDS

  • HIV Testing: 40% of residents reported having been tested for HIV.

Core Section Data Summary

The data collected through the Behavioral Risk Factor Report for Baker Springs provide a comprehensive overview of the community’s health status, behaviors, and access to healthcare services. By referencing every module, we can better understand the specific health needs and challenges faced by the residents.

Chronic Health Conditions (Continued)

  • Joint Pain: 30% of residents reported experiencing joint pain on most days for at least one month in the past year.
  • Chronic Pain Management: Among those with chronic pain, 40% reported using over-the-counter medication, 30% used prescription pain medication, 20% utilized physical therapy, and 10% employed alternative therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic care.

Environmental Health

  • Air Quality Concerns: 20% of residents expressed concerns about air quality affecting their health, with specific worries about pollution and allergens.
  • Water Quality Concerns: 10% of residents reported concerns about the safety of their drinking water.

Overall Summary and Recommendations

Based on the detailed Behavioral Risk Factor Report data, the following key areas for public health intervention in Baker Springs have been identified:

  1. Chronic Disease Management: Enhance programs focused on managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol through lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
  2. Preventive Health Services: Increase access to preventive services, including vaccinations, cancer screenings, and regular health check-ups.
  3. Behavioral Health Interventions: Implement targeted programs to reduce smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity.
  4. Mental Health Support: Expand access to mental health services and support, addressing high stress levels and depression.
  5. Healthcare Access and Affordability: Improve healthcare access by increasing insurance coverage and providing affordable healthcare services.
  6. Community Health Education: Promote health education on various topics, including healthy eating, physical activity, and the importance of preventive care.
  7. Environmental Health Initiatives: Address environmental health concerns by improving air and water quality and educating the public about potential health risks.

Health Indicators Summary

Based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Report questionnaire data, Baker Springs exhibits several health trends that require attention:

  1. Chronic Conditions:
    • High prevalence of hypertension (32%), high cholesterol (38%), and diabetes (10%).
    • Cardiovascular conditions, such as heart attacks (5%) and strokes (4%), are notable concerns.
  2. Preventive Health Services:
    • Routine checkups are relatively common (70%), but there is room for improvement in vaccination rates, particularly for flu (50%) and pneumonia (30%).
  3. Behavioral Health Risks:
    • Smoking (18%) and binge drinking (15%) rates suggest the need for targeted public health interventions.
    • Physical inactivity (25%) and obesity (28%) highlight the need for promoting healthier lifestyles.
  4. Mental Health:
    • Mental health issues, including high stress levels (20%) and diagnosed depression (15%), indicate the necessity of enhancing mental health services and support.
  5. Healthcare Access:
    • With 15% of residents uninsured and 12% unable to afford medical care when needed, improving healthcare access and affordability is critical.

Recommendations

Based on these findings, the following recommendations are made to improve the health and well-being of Baker Springs residents:

  1. Expand Access to Preventive Services:
    • Increase the availability of free or low-cost health screenings and vaccinations.
    • Promote routine checkups and preventive care through public health campaigns.
  2. Enhance Behavioral Health Programs:
    • Implement comprehensive smoking cessation and alcohol reduction programs.
    • Increase access to physical activity facilities and community-based fitness programs.
  1. Address Chronic Conditions:
    • Develop community-based programs focused on managing hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol through lifestyle changes and medication adherence.
    • Increase public awareness about the importance of cardiovascular health.
  2. Improve Mental Health Support:
    • Expand mental health services, including counseling and support groups.
    • Reduce stigma associated with mental health issues through education and outreach.
  3. Increase Healthcare Access and Affordability:
    • Expand health insurance coverage through public programs and employer-sponsored plans.
    • Provide assistance with health insurance enrollment and education about available options.

By addressing these key areas, Baker Springs can improve the overall health and quality of life for its residents. Public health initiatives should be continuously evaluated and adjusted to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Conclusion

The Behavioral Risk Factor Report report for Baker Springs, TN, highlights significant health issues and opportunities for public health improvement. By implementing targeted interventions and promoting healthy behaviors, Baker Springs can improve the overall health and quality of life for its residents. Public health officials, healthcare providers, and community organizations must collaborate to address these challenges and ensure a healthier future for Baker Springs.