from the
2014 Local Behavior Risk
Factor Surveillance System
(BRFSS) Report
Chronic Disease
A Snapshot
In Mecklenburg County
August 2015
A special report from the Mecklenburg County Health Department, Epidemiology Program
Unhealthy Behaviors
Chronic Diseases are a leading cause of disability and premature death. According to the Centers for Disease Control,
the most common behaviors linked to chronic disease are:
Tobacco Use
Lack of Exercise
Poor Nutrition
17%
18%
82%
of adults are
smokers.
of adults did not
participate in
physical activity in
the past month.
of adults do not eat
5 or more servings
of fruits and veggies
daily.
Chronic Diseases
% of Adults with Selected Chronic Diseases*
(Persons 18 years and older)
67,100 adults have Diabetes
59,600 adults have Cardiovascular Disease
32,300 adults have COPD
22,400 adults have Kidney Disease
*based on self-report of chronic diseases
(Heart disease
and Stroke)
Risk Factors
216,200 Adults
246,000 Adults
424,900 Adults
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Source:
Mecklenburg County Health Department, Epidemiology Program, 2014 Local Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System Report
Health Disparities
Health Disparities are preventable differences in disease, injury and opportunities to achieve optimal health. Race or
ethnicity, sex, age, disability, socioeconomic status & where we live all contribute to our ability to achieve good health.
Disparities by Race and Ethnicity
Disparities by Income and Education
Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are leading causes
of death in Mecklenburg. While deaths vary by race,
there are few disparities in prevalence suggesting that
indicators such as education, income or access to care,
may play a more important role in overall health status
than race alone.
People with higher levels of education and income
tend to have better health outcomes and lower rates
of many chronic diseases compared to those with less
education and lower income levels.
For some chronic diseases, social and economic factors such as education or income
may have a stronger impact on overall health status than race or ethnicity alone.
Adults with History of Cardiovascular Disease by Race
White
Blacks
Yes
9%
Yes
9%
35,200
Adults
20,400
Adults
Adults with History of Cardiovascular Disease
by Income and Education Levels
Hispanics
Yes
5%
4,000
Adults
INCOME
$50,000+
Less than $50,000
3.4 x
EDUCATION
College
Education
Less than High School
Education
2.4 x
Adults with History of Diabetes by Income and
Education Levels
Adults with History of Diabetes by Race
Whites
Yes
7%
35,200
27,400
Adults
Adults
Blacks
Yes
15%
34,000
34,000
Adults
Adults
Hispanics
Yes
5%
INCOME
$50,000+
Less than $50,000
2.4 x
4,000
Adults
EDUCATION
College
Education
Less than High School
Education
1.5 x
Data Source:
Mecklenburg County Health
Department, Epidemiology Program,
2014 Local Behavior Risk Factor
Surveillance System Report
For more information, contact:
Charisse Jenkins, MSPH
Mecklenburg County Health Department
249 Billingsley Road
Charlotte NC 28211
Charisse.Jenkins@mecklenburgcountync.gov