LA Health Profiles, CH2

Health Status

Measurements of health status

include self-perceived health

status, body weight, and

prevalence of chronic diseases

such as asthma, diabetes,

and hypertension.

15

Perceptions of Health StatusSelf-assessed health is a broad indicator of health andwell being which incorporates a variety of physical,emotional, and personal components of health.Several studies have shown that self-assessed health isa valid and reliable indicator of a person’s overallhealth status1 and a powerful predictor of mortality2

and changes in physical functioning.3 It may alsodetermine the perceived need and demand for healthcare and other health-related services.

What did the survey measure?

Health StatusRespondents (18 and older) rated their physicalhealth as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor.

Findings about self-perceivedhealth status

➜ Percentages of Los Angeles County residents whoassess their health as “poor” or “fair” are highestamong:

➜ Those with lower incomes, defined by thepercent of federal poverty level.

➜ Latinos (30%) and Asians (27%), followed byAfrican-Americans (18%), and whites (12%).

➜ A higher proportion of females (24%) perceivetheir health as “poor” or “fair” than domales (17%).

➜ Of those uninsured, 29% perceive their health as“poor” or “fair.”

➜ Twenty-seven percent of adults with no regularsource of care perceive their health as “poor” or“fair.”

Note: For more detailed data on self-perceived health status at the county, serviceplanning area, and health district levels, please refer to Appendices B-4, C-1through C-8.

1. Tissue T. Another look at self-rated health among the elderly. J Gerontol, 1972;27:91-94.

2. Idler El, Benyamini Y. Self-rated health and mortality: A review of twenty-seven communitystudies. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 1997;38:21-37.

3. Ilder El, Kasal SV. Self-ratings of health: do they also predict change in functional ability?J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci., 1995;50B(6):S344-53.

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

14%

15%

22%

25%

12%

32%

24%

18%

21%

21%

29%

27%

28%

22%

31%

29%

26%

27%

Percentage of Adult Smokers

Antelope Valley

San Fernando Valley

San Gabriel Valley

Metro

West

South

East

South Bay

County

� Fair/Poor$

� Good

Self-Perceived Health Status Of AdultsBy Service Planning Area, 1997

Fig 2.1

• For a family of four, the 1997 federal poverty level is $16,050 a year and 200% of poverty is$32,100.

0 10 20 30 40

13%

27%

40%!

Percentage of Adults

Above 200% FPL

100%–200% FPL

Below 100% FPL$

Fair or Poor Health StatusBy Poverty Level, 1997

Fig 2.2

16

Persons who are overweight are at increased risk for avariety of medical conditions including heart disease,stroke, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, gallbladder disease,and certain types of cancer.4 Being overweight isassociated with an increased risk of death amongmiddle-aged and older adults.5


Body Mass IndexCalculated from self-reported height (feet andinches) x weight (pounds) according to thefollowing formula: 703 x weight (lbs.)/height (in.)2.

OverweightMildly to moderately overweight corresponds to aBMI equal to or greater than 25 but less than 30.Severely overweight corresponds to a BMI equalto or greater than 30.

Perceptions of WeightRespondents (18 and older) are asked whetherthey consider themselves to be overweight,underweight, or about average for their height.

Findings about weight status

➜ Overall, 14% of adults in Los Angeles County areseverely overweight.

➜ The prevalence of severe overweight varies slightlyby gender.

➜ African-Americans (22%) and Latinos (17%) havethe highest proportion of severely overweightadults, followed by whites (12%) and Asians (4%).

➜ The prevalence of severe overweight increases withadvancing age, from 9% in 18–29 year olds to 18%in adults 50 years and older.

➜ Those who perceive their health as “poor” to “fair”have a higher prevalence of severe overweight (22%)compared to those who perceive their health as“very good” to “excellent” (10%).

➜ This prevalence is also higher in persons with lessthan a high school education (22%) than in thosewho have completed college (10%).

Note: For more detailed data on self-perceived health status at the county, servicesplanning area, and health district levels, please refer to Appendices B-4, C-1through C-8.

Overweight

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

36%

34%

35%

30%

30%

36%

39%

35%

34%

13%

11%

14%

13%

9%

25%

18%

13%

14%

Percentage of Adult Smokers

Antelope Valley

San Fernando Valley

San Gabriel Valley

Metro

West

South

East

South Bay

County

� Mild/Moderate$

Overweight$

� Severely$

Overweight

Weight Status Of AdultsBy Service Planning Area, 1997

4. Pi-Suyner FX. Medical hazards of obesity. Ann Intern Med, 1993;119:655-660.

5. Stevens J, Jianwen C, Pamuk ER, et al. The effect of age on the association between body-massindex and mortality. New England Journal of Medicine, 1998;338:1-7.

Fig 2.3

17

6. Department of Health Services, Los Angeles County, Data Collection and Analysis Unit.


Chronic ConditionsSelf-reported conditions: diabetes, high bloodpressure or hypertension, and arthritis.

Asthma (in children, 0–17 only)Reported by the parent or legal guardian of childin the household.

Current Receipt of Medical Treatmentfor Chronic Conditions

Respondents answered whether they are currentlybeing treated by a physician for each of the aboveconditions.

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by highlevels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulinsecretion, insulin action, or both. In 1997, diabeteswas the eighth leading cause of death in Los AngelesCounty and accounted for nearly 13 deaths per100,000 population.6

Findings about Diabetes

➜ Diabetes prevalence is highest among African-Americans (9%) followed by Latinos (6%),whites and Asians (5%).

➜ Diabetes is more prevalent in adults 50 years andolder (13%).

➜ Those with less than a high school educationhave a higher prevalence of diabetes (8%)compared to college graduates (4%).

Note: For more detailed data on diabetes at the county, service planning area, and healthdistrict levels, please refer to Appendices B-4, C-1 through C-8.

0 10 20 30 40

5%

5%

6%

6%

5%

9%

5%

5%

6%

g f

Antelope$

Valley

San Fernando$

Valley

San Gabriel$

Valley

Metro

West

South

East

South Bay

County

Adults With DiabetesBy Service Planning Area, 1997

Chronic Conditions

Fig 2.4

0 10 20 30 40 50

5%

9%

6%

5%

g f

White

African-$

American

Latino

Asian

Adults With DiabetesBy Race/Ethnicity, 1997

Fig 2.5

18

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high-blood pressure, is a risk factorfor heart disease and stroke, the first and thirdleading causes of death in Los Angeles County in1997.6 The risk of stroke and heart disease can bereduced with the effective management ofhypertension, which can be accomplished throughmedicine, diet, and physical activity.

Findings about Hypertension

➜ Females (18%) have a higher prevalence ofhypertension than males (14%).

➜ Prevalence of hypertension is highest amongAfrican-Americans (28%) and whites (17%)followed by Asians (14%) and Latinos (12%).

➜ Hypertension prevalence varies little by familyincome.

➜ Hypertension prevalence increases withadvancing age, from 4% in 18–29 years old to35% in adults aged 50 and older.

0 10 20 30 40

10%

15%

18%

14%

13%

22%

16%

16%

16%

g f

Antelope$

Valley

San Fernando$

Valley

San Gabriel$

Valley

Metro

West

South

East

South Bay

County

Adults With HypertensionBy Service Planning Area, 1997

➜ Those with less than a high school educationhave a higher prevalence of hypertension (19%)than college graduates (13%).


Arthritis

The word arthritis means joint inflammation and isassociated with more than 100 diseases that can causepain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Thesediseases may affect not only the joints but also otherparts of the body, including important supportingstructures such as muscles, bones, tendons, andligaments, as well as some internal organs. More than40 million Americans suffer from some form ofarthritis, and many have chronic pain that limits dailyactivity and may negatively impact quality of life.7

7. Humphrey N. CDC calls arthritis the epidemic of the future. VUMC Reporter, VanderbiltUniversity Medical Center, 1994;4(25):1,3.

0 10 20 30 40 50

17%

28%

12%

14%

g f

White

African-$

American

Latino

Asian

Adults With HypertensionBy Race/Ethnicity, 1997

Fig 2.7

Fig 2.6

19

Chronic Conditions continued

Findings about Arthritis

➜ Arthritis varies significantly by gender. Twenty-two percent of females have arthritis compared to13% of males.

➜ Whites (22%) and African-Americans (22%)have the highest prevalence of arthritis comparedto Asians (15%) and Latinos (12%).

➜ Forty percent of adults aged 50 years and olderhave arthritis compared to 3% of 18–29 yearolds, 7% of 30–39 year olds and 17% of40–49 year olds.

➜ Adults with less than a high school educationhave a higher prevalence of arthritis (21%) thancollege graduates (14%).


0 10 20 30 40

21%

16%

20%

14%

15%

21%

18%

17%

18%

g f

Antelope$

Valley

San Fernando$

Valley

San Gabriel$

Valley

Metro

West

South

East

South Bay

County

Adults With ArthritisBy Service Planning Area, 1997

Fig 2.8

0 10 20 30 40 50

22%

22%

12%

15%

g f

White

African-$

American

Latino

Asian

Adults With ArthritisBy Race/Ethnicity, 1997

Fig 2.9

20

* Prevalence for noted subgroup is based on small numbers (fewer than 30 respondents in thesubgroup).

Asthma in children

Asthma is the most common chronic disease inchildhood.8 Nearly 5 million children under age 18 inthe United States have asthma.9 Many more probablyhave undiagnosed asthma. Because asthma restrictsbreathing, it is dangerous when left untreated. Withtreatment, however, most children with asthma enjoya full range of activity, including exercise and sports.

Findings about Asthma (children 0-17)

➜ Prevalence of asthma varies slightly by genderand family income.

➜ Asthma prevalence is highest in African-Americans (19%) followed by whites (8%),Asians (7%) and Latinos (6%).

➜ Children ages 5–12 years old and 13–17 yearsold both have a higher prevalence of asthma(9%) compared to those less than 4 years old.

Note: For more detailed data on asthma in children at the county, services planningarea, and health district levels, please refer to Appendices B-3, C-1 through C-8.

0 10 20 30 40

9%*

4%

7%

5%*

14%*

8%*

8%

11%

7%

g f

Antelope$

Valley

San Fernando$

Valley

San Gabriel $

Valley

Metro

West

South

East

South Bay

County

Children With AsthmaBy Service Planning Area, 1997

8. Weinberger M, “Treatment of acute asthma in children,” Pediatric Allergy and PulmonaryDivision, University of Iowa College Medicine, 1997.

9. Clark NM, et al. Childhood Asthma. Environ Health Perspect 1999;107(3):421-429.

Fig 2.10

0 10 20 30 40 50

8%

19%

6%

7%

g f

White

African-$

American

Latino

Asian

Children With AsthmaBy Race/Ethnicity, 1997

Fig 2.11

21

* Prevalence for noted subgroup is based on small numbers (fewer than 30 respondents in the subgroup).

0 20 40 60 80

65%

21%*

14%*

g f

Fair/Poor

Very Good/$

Excellent

Good0 20 40 60 80

13%*

36%

51%

g f

Not$

Overweight

Severely$

Overweight

Mild/Moderate$

Overweight

Self-Perceived Health Status Weight Status

Health Status By Select Characteristics, 1997Antelope Valley

Fig 2.12a Fig 2.12b

SPA1

22


0 10 20 30 40

12%

18%

10%

20%

35%

9%

8%*

24%

24%

10%

12%

17%

20%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older

Above 200% FPL

100%–200% FPL

Below 100% FPL

0 10 20 30 40

11%

12%

17%

16%

10%

11%

8%*

16%

1%*

6%*

10%

15%

16%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

Below 100% FPL

100%-200% FPL

Above 200% FPL

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older

San Fernando ValleyHealth Status By Select Characteristics, 1997

Fig 2.13c Fig 2.13d• For a family of four, the 1997 federal poverty level is $16,050 a year and 200% of poverty is

$32,100.• Weight status is determined on body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated using the weight

and height of the respondent. Mildly to moderately overweight corresponds to a BMI equal toor greater than 25 but less but less than 30. Severely overweight corresponds to a BMI equal toor greater than 30.

Fair Or Poor Health StatusOf Adults 18 Years And Older

Severely Overweight Adults

0 20 40 60 80

57%

29%

15%

g f

Fair/Poor

Very Good/$

Excellent

Good0 20 40 60 80

11%

34%

54%

g f

Not$

Overweight

Severely$

Overweight

Mild/Moderate$

Overweight


Fig 2.13a Fig 2.13b

SPA2

23


0 10 20 30 40

19%

25%

15%

29%

41%

16%

22%*

25%

30%

18%

20%

21%

28%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older

Above 200% FPL

100%–200% FPL

Below 100% FPL

0 10 20 30 40

14%

14%

19%

14%

13%

16%

23%*

16%

4%*

8%*

12%

14%

19%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

Below 100% FPL

100%-200% FPL

Above 200% FPL

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older



Fig 2.14c Fig 2.14d• Weight status is determined on body mass index (BMI). BMI is calculated using the weight


Health Status By Select Characteristics, 1997San Gabriel Valley

• For a family of four, the 1997 federal poverty level is $16,050 a year and 200% of poverty is$32,100.

0 20 40 60 80

51%

27%

22%

g f

Fair/Poor

Very Good/$

Excellent

Good0 20 40 60 80

14%

35%

51%

g f

Not$

Overweight

Severely$

Overweight

Mild/Moderate$

Overweight


Fig 2.14a Fig 2.14b

SPA3

24

0 10 20 30 40 50

20%

31%

14%

33%

41%

8%

22%*

36%

29%

22%

24%

27%

28%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older

Above 200% FPL

100%–200% FPL

Below 100% FPL

0 10 20 30 40

11%

15%

22%

17%

7%

7%*

14%*

19%

6%*

10%*

16%

14%

12%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

Below 100% FPL

100%-200% FPL

Above 200% FPL

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older



Health Status By Select Characteristics, 1997 Metro




0 20 40 60 80

47%

28%

25%

g f

Fair/Poor

Very Good/$

Excellent

Good0 20 40 60 80

13%

30%

57%

g f

Not$

Overweight

Severely$

Overweight

Mild/Moderate$

Overweight


Fig 2.15a Fig 2.15b

SPA4

25

Health Status By Select Characteristics, 1997West

0 20 40 60 80

66%

22%

13%

g f

Fair/Poor

Very Good/$

Excellent

Good0 20 40 60 80

9%

30%

61%

g f

Not$

Overweight

Severely$

Overweight

Mild/Moderate$

Overweight


Fig 2.16a Fig 2.16b

SPA5

26


0 10 20 30 40

27%

35%

22%

29%

43%

22%*

22%

41%

16%*

27%

37%

36%

37%

Males

Females

Whites

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older

Above 200% FPL

100%–200% FPL

Below 100% FPL

0 10 20 30 40

23%

27%

24%

32%

20%

6%*

32%

23%

5%*

18%

23%

27%

37%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

Below 100% FPL

100%-200% FPL

Above 200% FPL

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older



Health Status By Select Characteristics, 1997 South




0 20 40 60 80

37%

31%

32%

g f

Fair/Poor

Very Good/$

Excellent

Good0 20 40 60 80

25%

36%

39%

g f

Not$

Overweight

Severely$

Overweight

Mild/Moderate$

Overweight


Fig 2.17a Fig 2.17b

SPA6

27


0 10 20 30 40

23%

26%

15%

29%

43%

15%

13%*

30%

32%*

20%

21%

26%

31%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older

Above 200% FPL

100%–200% FPL

Below 100% FPL

0 10 20 30 40

18%

18%

22%

18%

16%

19%

27%*

17%

4%*

12%

18%

24%

19%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

Below 100% FPL

100%-200% FPL

Above 200% FPL

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older



Health Status By Select Characteristics, 1997East




0 20 40 60 80

47%

29%

24%

g f

Fair/Poor

Very Good/$

Excellent

Good0 20 40 60 80

18%

39%

43%

g f

Not$

Overweight

Severely$

Overweight

Mild/Moderate$

Overweight


Fig 2.18a Fig 2.18b

SPA7

28


0 10 20 30 40

15%

21%

12%

25%

38%

12%

18%

26%

22%*

12%

18%

26%

22%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older

Above 200% FPL

100%–200% FPL

Below 100% FPL

0 10 20 30 40

13%

13%

16%

16%

12%

12%

18%

15%

4%*

11%

13%

15%

15%

g f

Males

Females

Whites

Below 100% FPL

100%-200% FPL

Above 200% FPL

African$

Americans

Latinos

Asians

18–29 Years

30–39 Years

40-49 Years

50 Years and Older



Health Status By Select Characteristics, 1997 South Bay




0 20 40 60 80

56%

26%

18%

g f

Fair/Poor

Very Good/$

Excellent

Good0 20 40 60 80

13%

35%

52%

g f

Not$

Overweight

Severely$

Overweight

Mild/Moderate$

Overweight


Fig 2.19a Fig 2.19b

SPA8

29

LA Health Profiles, CH2

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