From Vital and Health Statistics of the National Center for Health Statistics Number 119. May 14, 1986 

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention


Provisional Data from the National Health Interview Survey:


United States, January-June 1985


by Owen T. Thornberty, Ph. D., Division of Health Interview Statistics, Ronald W. Wilson, M. A., 

and Patricia Golden, M. P. H., Division of Epidemiology and Health Promotion 

The National Center for Health Statistics included the 

topic of health promotion and disease prevention as part of the 

1985 National Health Interview Survey. This report presents 

provisional findings from the first 6 months of data collection 

on that topic, Provisional findings from the first 3 months of 

data collection have been previously published.1 

The 1985 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Survey was designed to monitor progress toward one of the major 

initiatives of the Department of Health and Human Services. 

This initiative is described in the 1979 Surgeon General’s 

Report on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Healthy 

People.2 In that report, broad goals were established for the 

improvement of the health of Americans. The 1980 Public 

Health Service report, Promoting Health/Preventing Disease: 

Objectivesfor the Nation, 3 details specific objectives necessary 

for attainment of those goals in each of 15 priority areas. The 

target date for achieving the objectives is 1990. This 1985 

questionnaire will be used for data collection again in 1990 for 

the purpose of monitoring progress achieved in the intervening 

5 years. 

1National Center for Health Statistics, Provisional Data from the Health promotion and Disease Prevention Supplement to the National Health Interview 

Survey UnitedStates,January-March 1985, Advance Data Fronr Vital and 

Health Statistics, No. 113. DHHS Pub. No. (PHS) S6-1 250. Public Health 

Service, Hyattsville, Md., Nov. 15, 1985.


20~ce of tie Assistent Secretary for Health and Surgeon Genera~ Healthy


People—The Surgeon Genera~s Repon on Health Promotion and Disease 

Ptwention-Background Papers, 1979. DHEW Pub. No. (PHS) 79-55071A. 

~I_J<S.Depafiment of Health ~d Human Services, Public Health Service 

Promoting Health/Preventing Disease: Objectives for the Nation, Washington. 

U.S. Government Printing OtXce, 1980. 

The 1985 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Survey is devoted primarily to the collection of baseline data on 

the following topics: general health (including nutrition), injury 

control and child health, high blood pressure, stress, exercise, 

smoking, alcohol use, dental care, and occupational safety and 

health. Those topics were selected after consultation with the 

Oftice of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (Assistant 

Secretary for Health) as well as with the agencies designated by 

the Assistant Secretary for Health as having “lead” responsibility for implementing and monitoring progress toward achieving the 1990 objectives. Within each agency, subject matter 

experts also were consulted during the development of the 

questionnaire. 

The report presents estimated percents or percent distributions for all persons 18 years of age and over and for four age 

groups and both sexes. Generally, except for the questions on 

knowledge of health practices where “don’t know” is a legitimate 

response, “don’t know” and other inappropriate responses were 

excluded from the denominator in the calculation of the estimates. In most cases, the actual question asked of the respondent 

is shown along with the response categories. In a few cases, 

there has been minor paraphrasing or combining of questions. 

Each question is referenced to the item number on the questionnaire. 

In general, the items in the questionnaire are about either 

individual health behaviors or knowledge of health practices. 

Most of the questions on knowledge of health practices have 

answers that are currently presumed correct and are indicated 

in bold type (question U.4 has 2 correct answers). For some 

questions, references are provided for selected publications that 

present related data from previous data collection by the National Center for Health Statistics. 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service 
2 dwmdata 

Selected findings 

�	 General health habits: Most adults eat breakfast almost 

every day (55 percent), get 7–8 hours of sleep each night 

(66 percent), and have a usual place to go for health care 

(77 percent). 

�	 Weight: Males are more likely to consider their weight 

“just about right” than are females (55 percent versus 42 

percent). However, about one-quarter of males and onehalf of females are trying to lose weight, largely by eating 

fewer calories and/or increasing physical activity. 

�	 Preventive exams for females: About one-half of females 

have had a Pap smear test (45 percent) and/or breast 

examination (50 percent) by a health professional within 

less than 1 year. The majority of women (88 percent) 

know how to examine their own breasts for lumps, but 

only one-third do so more than 6 times a year. 

�	 Seat belts: Only about one-third of adults wear seat belts 

most of the time when in an automobile. Almost one-half 

of the adults with children under 5 years of age have been 

advised by health professionals about the importance of 

using child safety seats. 

�	 Home safety: About two-fifths of homes do not have a 

working smoke detector. Most adults do not know the 

temperature of the hot water in the home (65 percent), and 

most adults do not know the temperature above which scald 

injuries will occur. 

�	 High blood pressure: Three-quarters (74 percent) of adults 

have had their blood pressure taken by health professionals 

within the past year. Women are more likely than men to 

have their blood pressure taken and persons over 65 years 

more likely than persons in other age groups. The large 

majority of adults (80 percent or higher) are aware of three 

of the four principal risk factors associated with heart 

disease (smoking, cholesterol, and high blood pressure). 

Only about 60 percent are aware that diabetes is also a 

principal risk factor. 

�	 Stress: One-half of adults reported experiencing at least a 

moderate amount of stress during the 2 weeks preceding 

the interview, with the lowest percent for the elderly (27 

percent). In addition, almost one-half of the adults felt that 

stress had had some effect on their health in the past year. 

�	 Exercise: Less than one-half (42 percent) of the adult 

population exercise on a regular basis and only one-quarter 

have done so for 5 or more years. A higher percent of 

adults in the younger than the older age groups engage in 

regular exercise. However, over four-fifths of adults consider themselves as active or more active than other persons of the same age. The majority are not knowledgeable 

regarding the specitlc requirements for exercise to strengthen 

the heart and lungs (frequency and duration of exercise 

and heart and breathing rate during exercise). 

�	 Cigarette smoking: Although a continuation of the downward trend in cigarette smoking has been occurring since 

the 1964 Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health, 

almost one-thiid of adults still smoke (33 percent for males 

and 28 percent for females). The majority of adults (80 

percent or higher) are aware of the major conditions associated with smoking (emphysema, chronic bronchitis, 

and cancer of the lung, larynx, and esophagus). The exception is bladder cancer, which only about one-third associate with smoking. 

�	 Alcohol use: With the exception of cirrhosis of the liver, 

the adult population appears less knowledgeable about the 

effects of alcohol on health than the effects of smoking. 

Whereas 95 percent felt that heavy alcohol consumption 

increased the chances of getting cirrhosis of the liver, only 

about one-third recognized the association between heavy 

alcohol use and cancers of the throat (39 percent) and 

mouth (31 percent). Eight percent of adults were classified 

as heavier drinkers (2 or more drinks per day), 21 percent 

as moderate drinkers, and 24 percent as lighter drinkers (3 

drinks or less per week). Twelve percent of adults admitted 

to driving at least once in the last year when they perhaps 

had had too much to drink and almost a quarter of young 

adults admitted to doing so. 

�	 Dental care: Ahnost all persons are knowledgeable about 

the major preventive factors relative to tooth decay and 

gum disease. However, only 57 percent recognize tooth 

decay as the main cause of tooth loss in children and only 

54 percent view gum disease as the main cause of tooth 

loss in adults. 

Symbols 

. . . Category not applicable 

o Quantity more than zero but 0.5 or less 
aduancedata 3 

Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Section


and


itern


number Health behaviors and knowledge


N.1.


N.2.


N.3.


N.5.


N.6.


N.7.


N,8.


N.9.


N.1O. 

N.11. 

N.15. 

Total.............................................................


GENERAL HEALTH HABITS


How often do you eat breakfast?l


Almost every day................................................


Sometimes.......................................................


Rarely or never.................................................


Including evening snacks, how often do you eat between meals?l


Almost every day................................................


Sometimes.......................................................


Rarely or never.................................................


When you visit a doctor or other health professional for


routine care, is eating proper foods discussed?


Often...........................................................


Sometimes.......................................................


Rarely or never.................................................


Oon’tvisit for routine care....................................


In your opinion which of these are the two best ways to lose 

weight?


Don’t eat at bedtime............................................


Eat fewer calories..............................................


Take diet pills.................................................


Increase physical activity......................................


Eat no fat......................................................


Eat grapefruit with each meal...................................


Don’t know......................................................


Are you now trying toloseweight?2 (Yes).........................


Are you eating fewer calories to 1ose weight?2 (Persons trying


to loseweight(yes)in N.6) (Yes)................................


Have you increased your physical activity to lose weight?2


(Persons trying to lose weight (yes) in N.6) (Yes)................


Do you consider yourself overweight, underweight, or just


about right? (If overweight) Would you say you are very


overweight, somewhat overweight, or only a 1ittle overweight?2,3


Very overweight.................................................


Somewhat overweight.............................................


Only a little overweight........................................


About right.....................................................


Underweight.....................................................


On the average, how many hours of S1eep do you get in a


24-hour period?l


Less than 7 hours...............................................


7-8 hours.......................................................


9or more hours.................................................


Is there a particular clinic, health center, doctor’s office,


or other place that you usually go to if you are sick or need


advice about your health?4 (Yes)..................................


About how long has it been since you had a Pap smear
 test?5 (Females only)


Less than l year ................................................


l year ..........................................................


2years .........................................................


3-4 years .......................................................


5 or more years .................................................


Never...........................................................


Age Sex 

Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years 

ages years years years and over Male Female 

Percent of population 

100 100 100 100 100 100 100 

55 41 46 62 87 56


20 27 23 17 6 ; 19


25 32 31 21 8 26 24


39 42 41 37 30 40 37


32 37 33 29 29 34


29 21 26 34 :; 30 29


10 8 8 13 11 8 11


:: :; :; :! ;; : :


10 10 9 10 9 14 6


29 26 31 31 27 

z 70 76 ;; 72 69 79 

2 1 2 

73 8; 8; 6; 7: 73 

11 7 7 12 ;; 12 10 

4 4 3 5 6 5 4 

7 4 5 8 17 9 5 

37 35 42 41 26 27 46 

82 77 83 86 81 77 85


60 74 63 51 40 62 59


9 3


1! 1: ;: 1: ;:


;; 20 “;; 22


:: : 45 :; 52 55 42


6 8 4 4 7 8 4


21 22 21


% 65 ;: 68 58 # ::


12 14 7 10 21 11 13


77 69 75 82 87 70 83


45 61 50 36 24 . . . 45


17 16 22 17 13 . . . 17


10 7 11 13 12 . . . 10


4 10 . . .


1; 2 : 19 : . . . 1;


7 11 2 4 15. . . . 7


See footnotes at end of table.

4 adwmdaa 

Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health 

Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con. 

(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general 

qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.) 

Age Sex 

Section 

and 

itern Al 1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years 

number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Female 

N.16a. 

N.16b. 

N.16C. 

O.la. 

O.lb. 

0.3. 

0.4. 

0.10. 

0.12a. 

0.13. 

0.14. 

GENERAL HEALTH HABITS--Con.


About how long has it been since you had a breast examination


by a doctor or other health professional?5 (Females OnlY)


Less than lyear ................................................


l year ..........................................................


2 years .........................................................


3-4 years .......................................................


5or more years .................................................


Never...........................................................


Oo you know how to examine your own breasts for


lumps? (Females only) (Yes).......................................


About how many times a year do you examine your own breasts


for lumps? (Females only)


120r more times................................................


7-11 times......................................................


2-6 times.......................................................


Once a year .....................................................


Never...........................................................


Don't know howtoexami ne own breast............................


INJURY CONTROLANO CHILO SAFETY AND HEALTH 

Have you ever heard about Poison Control Centers? (Persons in


families with children under 10 years of age) (Yes)...............


Do you have the telephone number for a Poison Control Center


in your area? (Persons in families with children under 10 years


of age) (Yes).....................................................


Have you heard about child safety seats, sometimes called car


safety carriers, which are designed to carry children while


they are riding in a car? (Persons in families with children


under 5years of age) (Yes).......................................


Oid a doctor or other health professional ever tell you about


the importance of using car safety seats for your children?


(Persons in families with children under 5 years of age) (Yes)....


When driving or riding in a car, do you wear a seat belt3--


All or most of the time.........................................


Some of the time................................................


Once in awhile..................................................


Never...........................................................


Oon’tride in car...............................................


Does this home have any working smoke detectors? (Based on


Items O.lla.-c.) (Yes)............................................


Do you know about what the hot water temperature is in this


home? (Yes).......................................................


In the past 12 months, have you (or has anyone in your household)


used a thermometer to test the temperature of the hot water here?


(Yes).............................................................


Above what temperature will hot water cause scald in.iuries?


127degrees or less.............................................


128-139 degrees (can produce burns in less than a minute).......


140 degrees or above (can produce burns in 5 seconds or less)...


Don’t know......................................................


Percent of population


50 61 51 44 38 . . . 50 

18 16 21 17 14 . . . 10 7 10 12 11 . . . ;: 

7 4 8 9 8 . . . 7 

8 2 7 13 14 . . . 8 

7 9 2 6 15 . . . 7 

88 87 92 90 79 . . . 88


32 27 34 37 30 . . . 32


2 2 . . .
 3: 3: 3: 33 25 . . . 3:


. . . 1! 1: 1: 1: 1: . . . 1: 

12 13 8 10 21 . . . 12


89 88 92 80 64 87 91


60 56 67 45 21 58 62


99 99 99 96 95 9B 99


47 51 44 36 29 40 52


32 31 36 30 29 31 33 

17 18 18 17 15 16 18 

16 

z 34 $ i: : $ ; 

1 0 0 1 2 1 1 

59 57 64 59 54 59 59


35 24 39 43 33 46 25


4 3 5 4 3 4 3


14 20 17 10 5 17 12 

3 2 1 1 

2; 1: 3: 

63 62 :: :: ;; 50 ;: 

See footnotes at end of table.

admncedata 5 

Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Age Sex 

Section 

and 

itern Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years 

number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Female 

HIGH 8LOOD PRESSURE


P,l,	 I am going to read a list of things which may or may not 

affect a person’s chances of getting heart disease. After I 

read each one, tell me if you think it definitely increases, 

probably increases, probably does not, or definitely does not 

increase a person’s chances of getting heart disease. 

Cigarette smoking


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Ooes not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don’tknow/No opinion.........................................


Worry or anxiety


Increases,....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Ooes not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don't know/No opinion.........................................


High blood pressure


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Does not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Oon’tknow/No opinion.........................................


Diabetes


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Does not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don’tknow/No opinion.........................................


Being very overweight


Increases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases,.........................................


Does not increase..........,,.................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Oon’tknow/No opinion.........................................


Overwork


Increases,....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Ooes not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don’tknow/No opinion.........................................


Orinking coffee with caffeine


Increases,....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Does not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don’tknow/No opinion.........................................


See footnotes at end of table.


Percent of population


89 83 

% % ;? 65 59 :; :; 

24 24 23 24 24 24 24 

4 3 3 4 5 4 3 

3 2 2 3 3 3 2 

1 

: : : ; 1; : 6 

85 82 88 86 80 83 86 

38 31 42 43 37 37 39 

46 51 45 43 43 46 46 

8 12 8 7 7 9 8 

6 9 6 5 5 7 6 

2 1 2 2 2 

7 : 5 7 14 8 ; 

92 93 94 92 84 

69 70 73 :; % 

23 24 21 E E 23 23 

3 3 2 3 4 3 2 

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 

1 1 

: : : ; 13 : 6 

60 66 64 58 48 60 60 

31 32 34 31 24 31 30 

30 34 31 27 24 29 30 

10 10 11 10 9 lD 10 

7 8 8 7 6 7 7 

2: 2: 2: 3: 4: 2; 2; 

94 95 96 94 87 93 94 

70 73 60 69 

23 22 ;; ;; 27 24 ;: 

2 2 2 2 3 2 2 

1 2 1 1 2 1 1 

1 1 1 1 

4 : ; : 10 4 4 

71 77 78 66 57 68 74 

31 32 34 30 25 28 33 

40 46 44 36 32 40 41 

19 16 15 24 24 23 16 

13 12 11 16 15 15 11 

6 4 4 8 9 7 5 

9 6 7 10 19 9 9 

50 53 53 50 41 47 53 

12 11 

:; : :: 30 :; :; 

% 31 29 30 28 33 27 

23 25 24 21 18 25 21 

6 

2: 1: 1: 2; : 2: 2D 
6 ackincedata 

Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con.


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Age Sex


Section


and


itern Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years


number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Female


HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE--Con.


P.1. I am going to read a list of things which may or may not


affect a person’s chances of getting heart disease. After I


read each one, tell me if you think it definitely increases,


probably increases, probably does not, or definitely does not


increase a person’s chances of getting heart disease.--Con.


Eating a diet high in animal fat


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Does not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don’tknow/No opinion.........................................


Fami1y history of heart disease


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Does not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don’t know/No opinion.........................................


High cholesterol


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Does not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don't know/No opinion.........................................


P.2.	 The following conditions are related to having a stroke. In 

your opinion, which of these conditions most increases a 

person’s chances of having a stroke? 

Diabetes........................................................


High blood pressure.............................................


High cholesterol................................................


Don’t know......................................................


P.3.	 Which one of the fol1owing substances in food is most often


associated with high blood pressure?


Sodium (orsalt) ................................................


Cholesterol.....................................................


Sugar...........................................................


Don’t know......................................................


P.12a. About how long has it been since you last had your blood 

pressure taken by a doctor or other health professional?2,3


Less than 6nmnths ..............................................


6.11months .....................................................


12mnths to23mnths ..........................................


24nmths and over..............................................


P.12b.	 Blood pressure is usually given as one number over another.


Were you told what your blood pressure was, in numbers? (Persons


with blood pressure checked within 24 months in 12a) (Yes)...,....


P.14.	 Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health


professional that you had high cholesterol? (Yes).................


See footnotes at end of table.


Percent of population


80 77 82 83 

41 42 44 ; ;; :; 

39 % 40 39 36 40 39 

8 10 7 6 6 10 6 

6 8 6 5 4 7 5 

83 86 86 83 70 80 86 

49 48 54 51 39 45 

34 39 33 32 31 35 :: 

8 11 10 

; ! 5 6 6 ; 2 3 3 2 

9 7 7 9 1: 1: 9 

87 89 89 87 76 85 88 

54 52 56 57 47 51 56 

33 37 33 30 29 34 32 

4 4 4 5 5 3 

3 i 2 2 3 3 2 

1 1 1 1 2 2 1 

9 6 7 9 18 9 9 

4


7;


12


6


59 57 64 60 49 56 61


25 27 23 24 24 25 25


9 11 7 12 11


8 5 : 9 15 8 :


56 50 49 59 72 50 61


18 21 20 15 13 18


14 16 13 7 !:


13 :; 14 13 8 16 ;:


70 67 71 71 68 72 6B


5 1 3 9 11 5 5

adwlncedata i’ 

Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con.


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Age Sex


Section


and 

itern Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years 

number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Female 

STRESS Percent of population 

Q,l. Ouring the past 2 weeks, would you say that you experienced a


lot of stress, a moderate amount of stress, relatively little 

stress, or almost no stress at all? 

A lot of stress................................................. 20 23 24 18 11 18 22 

Amoderate amount of stress..................................... 31 34 38 30 33 30 

Relatively little stress........................................ 22 24 20 22 ;! 22 22 

Almost none..................................................... 25 18 17 28 46 26 24 

Oon’tknow what stress es....................................... 2 1 1 2 5 2 2 

Q.2. In the past year, how much effect has stress had on your health? 

A lit........................................................... 13 12 15 9 17 

Some............................................................ 31 34 :: 28 21 : 32 

Hardly any or none.............................................. 54 53 49 55 65 60 49 ~
 Oon’tknow what stress es....................................... 2 1 1 5 2 2


Q.3a. In the past year, did you think about seeking help for any 

personal or emotional problems from family or friends? (Yes)...... 16 23 21 10 4 12 20 

Q.3b. In the past year, did you think about seeking help for any 

personal or emutional problems from a helping professional or a 

self-help group? (Yes)............................................ 2 14 17 9 4 9 14 

Q.4. Did you actually seek any help? (Yes) From whom did YOU seek 

help?


Family or friends............................................... 8 12 9 4 2 5 10


Professional orself help group................................. 7 7 11 6 3 5 9


EXERCISE


R.2a. In the past 2 weeks, have you done any of the following 

exercises, sports, or physically active hobbies6--

Walking for exercise............................................ 46 42 43 42 39 47 

Jogging or running.............................................. 24 13 

Calisthenics or general exercise................................ 38 28 1; 1: ;; 2: 

Biking.......................................................... 16 13 8 5 11 11 

Swiming or water exercises..................................... 15 10 5 2 10 8 

R.3. Do you exercise or play sports regularly? (Yes)................... 42 55 45 32 28 44 39 

R.4, For how 1ong have you exercised or played sports regularly? 

Less than 1 year ................................................ 6 8 6 4 

l.2 years....................................................... 6 7 5 

3-4 years ....................................................... 3 4 i 3 

5 or more years ................................................. 26 

Donot exercise regularly....................................... 58 % : : 

R.5a. Would you say that you are physically more active, less active,


or about as active as other persons your age?l,3 Is that (a lot 

more or a little more/a lot less or a little less) active? 

A lot more...................................................... 16 17 18 21 

Alittle mre ................................................... 

About as active................................................. ;: :! i: i; 

A lotless ...................................................... 5 8 

A little less................................................... 15 1; 9 1: 

R.7a.	 How maw days a week do you think a person should exercise


to strengthen the heart and lungs?


Less than 3 days................................................ 8


3.4 days........................................................ 52 5; 3! 4! 3:


5days or more.................................................. 38 34 34 44 37 39


Don’t know...................................................... 16 6 10 21 15 16


R.7b. For how manv minutes do .VOUthink a person should exercise


on each occ>sion so that-the heart and 1ungs are


strengthened? 

Less than 15 minutes............................................ 4 7 

15t025 minutes................................................ 2: 2: 24 2: 2; 

More than 25 minutes............................................ 52 % 58 43 55 49 

Don’t know...................................................... 19 8 12 26 19 20 

See footnotes at end of table.

.

8 acklncedata 

Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con.


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Age Sex


Section


and


itern Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years


number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Femal.s


R.i’c. 

S.3.


S.4.


EXERCISE--Con.


During those (number in 7b) minutes, how fast do you think


a oerson’s heart rate and breathina should be to strengthen


the heart and 1ungs? Do you think-that the heart and -


breathing rate should be-­


No faster than usual............................................


Alittle faster than usual......................................


Alotfaster outtalking impossible.. ..........................


So fast that talking is not possible............................


Oon’t know......................................................


SMOKING


Cigarette smoking status (8ased on Items S.1-3)


Never...........................................................


Former..........................................................


Current (Includes unknown amount smoked)........................


Less than 15..................................................


15.24.........................................................


25 and over...................................................


On the average, about how many cigarettes a day do you now


smoke?7 (Current smokers)


Less than 15....................................................


15-24...........................................................


25 andover .....................................................


Tell me if you think cigarette smoking definitely increases,


probably increases, probably does not, or definitely does


not increase a person’s chances of getting the following


problems?


Emphysema


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Ooes not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don’tknow/No opinion.........................................


B1adder cancer


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases,.......................................


Probably increases..........................................


Ooes not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase. ...............................


Oon’tknow/No opinion .........................................


Cancer of the 1arynx or voice box


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Ooes not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don’tknow/No opinion.........................................


Cataracts


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Does not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don't know/No opinion.........................................


Percent of population


3 2 3 3


45 46 42 45


35 44 45 29


1: : 1: 2;


45 55 41 37 

24 24 30 

31 :; 35 33 

10 12 9 

13 14 1: 14 

8 5 12 10 

32 40 27


41 44 39 :?


27 17 34 30


91 90 94 92 

74 71 78 75 

17 19 16 17 

2 3 2 2 

1 2 1 

1 1 : 1


7 7 4 6


35 42 33 34 

13 

:: 29 :; ;: 25 29 30 21 

17 22 21 13 

4: 2; 3; 4:


88 86 

56 :: E 31 30 32 x 3 4 2 3 

2 3 2 2 

: ; : 1! 

15 20 14 13 

3 

1! 1: 1; 9 

42 46 48 38 

27 23 :; 25 :; 43 & 38 50 

3 4


44 46


37 33


1: 1:


35 54


31


33 ::


9 10


12
 ;: 6


37


:; 42


31 21


87 91 92 

71 71 77 

16 19 15 

2 3 2 

1 2 1 

1 

1: 7 ;


31 36 34 

11 13 

19 ;: 14 ;: 25 

8 17 18 

5: 3; 4;


76 87 89 

47 54 58 

30 32 30 

4 4 3 

2 3 2 

11 16 14


4 3


12 Ii


See footnotes at end of table.

acklncedata 9 

Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National’Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con.


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Age Sex 

Section 

and 

itern Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years 

number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Female 

SMOKING--Con. Percent of population


S.4.	 Tell me if you think cigarette smoking definitely increases,


probably increases, probably does not, or definitely does


not increase a person’s chances of getting the following


problems?--Con.


Cancer of the esophagus


Increases..................................................... 80 84 83 77 69 78 81 

Definitely increases........................................ 43 46 46 40 36 42 44 

Probably increases.......................................... 37 38 37 37 33 37 37 

Does not increase............................................. 6 6 7 

Probably does not increase.................................. : 5 ; : 3 5 : 

Definitely does not increase................................ 2 2 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 14 1: 1: 1: 2: 1; 14 

Chronic bronchitis


Increases..................................................... 86 89 89 85 76 85 87 

Definitely increases........................................ 54 58 53 44 52 56 

Probably increases.......................................... 32 Z 31 33 32 33 31 

Does not increase............................................. 5 5 4 5 4 

Probably does not increase.................................. 3 3 : : 

Definitely does not increase................................ ; 1 : 2 2 ; 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 9 : 6 10 19 10 9 

Gallstones


Increases..................................................... 11 15 9 9 11 11 

Definitely increases........................................ 3 2 2 : 

Probably increases.......................................... : i : 

Does not increase............................................. 45 % 5; 4i 3: 47 44 

Probably does not increase.................................. 22 27 24 18 13 22 21 

Definitely does not increase................................ 24 22 27 24 20 25 23 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 44 35 39 49 59 42 45 

Lung cancer


Increases..................................................... 95 98 88 

Definitely increases........................................ 80 87 3 z 72 ; % 

Probably increases.......................................... 15 11 15 17 16 16 13 

Does not increase............................................. 2 2 2 

Probably does not increase.................................. 1 i : 1 1 : : 

Definitely does not increase................................ o 1 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... : 2 2 : ; : ; 

S,4.	 Does cigarette smoking during pregnancy definitely increase,


probably increase, probably not or definitely not increase


the chances of--(Persons under 45 years of age)


hli
scarriage


Increases..................................................... 73 77 70 ... ... 73 74 

Definitely increases........................................ 36 31 ... ... 33 35 

Probably increases.......................................... ;: 41 38 ... ... 40 39 

Does not increase............................................. 13 12 ... ... 10 

Probably does not increase.................................. 10 9 i: ... ... 9 H 

Definitely does not increase................................ 3 ... ... Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 1; 11 1; ... ... 1; 1: 

Stillbirth


Increases..................................................... 65 69 60 ... ... 63 66 

Definitely increases........................................ ... ... Probably increases.......................................... :; :: :: ... ... :; % 

Does not increase............................................, 15 14 17 ... ... 13 17 

Probably does not increase.................................. 11 11 12 ... ... 11 12 

Definitely does not increase................................ ... ... Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 2: 1? 2; ... ... 2: 1! 

Premature birth


Increases..................................................... 70 74 66 ... ... 65 75 

Definitely increases........................................ 32 34 29 ... ... 26 37 

Probably increases.......................................... 38 40 37 ... ... 39 38 

Does not increase............................................. 13 12 ... ... 12 

Probably does not increase.................................. 9 9 H ... ... :; 

Definitely does not increase................................ 3 3 4 ... ... : 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 17 15 20 ... ... 2: 13 

See footnotes at end of table.

.

10 adwncedata 

Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con.


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Age Sex


Section


and


itern Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years


number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Female


SMOKING--Con. Percent of population


5.4.	 Does cigarette smoking during pregnancy definitely increase, 

probably increase, probably not or definitely not increase 

the chances of--(Persons under 45 years of age)--Con. 

Low birth weight of the newborn 

Increases..................................................... 80 . . . . . . 85 

Definitely increases........................................ 45 ; ;: . . . . . . ;; 52 

Probably increases...........,.............................. 35 36 35 . . . . . . 39 33 

Does not increase............................................. 7 7 8 . . . . . . 8 7 

Probably does not increase.................................. 5 5 5 . . . .0. 6 4 

Definitely does not increase................................ 2 . . . ... 2 2 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 1$ 1: 15 . . . .,. 17 

S.5a.	 If a woman takes birth control pills, is she more likely 

to have a stroke if she smokes than if she does not smoke? 

(Persons under 45 years of age) 

Wrelikely ..................................................... 64 65 62 . . . ... 54 73 

Notlikely ...................................................... 7 6 . . . ... 7 

Don’t know...................................................... 3: 28 32 . . . ... 39 2; 

ALCOHOL USE 

T.lc. Have you had at 1east one drink of beer, wine or 1iquor 

during the past year?l (YeS)...................................... 67 76 75 63 43 77 58 

T.2. In the past 2 weeks, on how many days did you drink any


alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, or liquor?l,3


Did not drink in past year ........................... .......... 33


None................... .............................. . . . . . . . . . .
 1-4 days............................................. . . . . . . . . . . ::


5-9 days............................................. . . . . . . . . . . 9


10-14 days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11


T.3.	 In the past 2 weeks, on the days that you drank alcohol’ c 

beverages, how many drinks did you have per day, on the 

average?l,3 

Did not drink in Dastvear . . ............................. . . . . . . . . . 33 24 25 42 

None . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 15 

1 drink......................................................... :: i! 16 

2 drinks........................................................ 16 18 :; 14 

3-4 drinks...................................................... 13 19 14 9 

5 or more drinks................................................ 7 12 7 3 

Drinking Index (2-week daily drinking, based on items T.,-3)7 

Didnotdrink in past year ............................ ......... 33 24 25 37 57 23 42 

None...,.............................................. ......... 15 12 

Light (.01 to .21 ounce absolute alcohol)............. ......... ;; ; 29 :: 14 ;: X 

Moderate (.22 to .99 ounce absolute alcohol).......... ......... 21 27 23 17 11 27 15 

Heavier (1.00 ounces or more absolute alcohol)........ ......... 8 8 8 8 6 13 3 

T.6. During the past 12 months, on how many days did you have 9 or


more drinks of any alcoholic beverage?


1 or more days.................................................. 13 25 14 7 2 22 5


5or more days.................................................. 7 13 7 4 1 13 2


T.7. During the past 12 months, on how many days did you have 5 or


more drinks of any alcoholic beverage?l


1 or more days.................................................. 26 43 30 16 5 39 15


10 or more days................................................. 14 24 15 8 3 23 5


T.8. During the past year, how many times did you drive when You


had perhaps too much to drink?


1 time.......................................................... 4


2 or more times................................................. 8


See footnotes at end of table.

acimncedata 11 

Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con.


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualIfications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Age Sex


Section


and


itern Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years


number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Female


ALCOHOL USE--Con. Percent of population


T,9, Tell me if you think heavy alcohol drinking definitely


increases, probably increases, probably does not, or definitely


does not increase a person’s chances of getting the following


problems?


Throat cancer


Increases..................................................... 39 38 36 40 45 37 41 

Definitely increases........................................ 11 21 13 15 

Probably increases.......................................... : ;: x 25 

Does not increase............................................. 34 :; 40 30 18 $’ :? 

Probably does not increase.................................. 23 29 27 19 11 26 21 

Definitely does not increase................................ 14 10 13 10 

Oon’tknow/No opinion......................................... :; X 24 30 3; 24 29 

Cirrhosis of the liver


Increases..................................................... 97 95 

Definitely increases........................................ :: E 83 80 

Probably increases.......................................... 15 16 13 14 

Does not increase............................................. 1 1 

Probably does not increase.................................. : ; Definitely does not increase................................ ; ; 0 o Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 4 3 2 4 

B1adder cancer 

Increases..................................................... 66 73 67 

Definitely increases........................................ 

Probably increases.......................................... : z :: Does not increase............................................. 11 12 13 12 12 11 

Probably does not increase.................................. 8 9 10 8 i 9 8 

Definitely does not increase................................ 3 3 3 4 2 3 3 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 23 15 19 25 36 21 24 

Cancer of the mouth 

Increases..................................................... 31 30 28 32 38 28 34 

Definitely increases........................................ 10 7 9 12 16 9 12 

Probably increases.......................................... 21 20 22 22 

Does not increase............................................. 37 :; ;; 31 19 :; 32 

Probably does not increase.................................. 24 31 28 12 27 21 

Definitely does not increase................................ 13 15 15 ;; 8 15 11 

Oon’tknow/No opinion......................................... 32 25 29 36 43 30 34 

Arthritis


Increases,.................................................... 14 15 13 14 14 14 14 

Definitely increases........................................ 4 

Probably increases.......................................... 1: 1; 1: 1: 1: 1: 

Does not increase,............................................ 46 54 51 41 3; 48 44 

Probably does not increase.............~.................... 24 31 26 13 25 23 

Definitely does not increase..,............................. 22 23 24 23 21 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 40 31 37 & 38 42 

Blood clots 

Increases,.................................................... 34 45 33 28 27 33 35 

Definitely increases........................................ 9 11 9 9 9 9 10 

Probably increases.......................................... 25 24 

Does not increase............................................. 31 :: 

Probably does not increase.................................. 18 2D %! 

Definitely does not increase................................ 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... :: ;: :: 

T.9.	 Does heavy drinking during pregnancy definitely increase,


probably increase, probably not or definitely not increase


the chances of--(Persons under 45 years of age)


Miscarriage


Increases..................................................... 86 89 82 . . . . . . 84 87 

Definitely increases........................................ 47 53 41 ... ... 44 51 

Probably increases.......................................... 38 36 41 ... ... 40 36 

Ooes not increase............................................. 4 4 ... ... 4 

Probably does not increase.................................. 4 3 : ... ... 3 : 

Definitely does not increase................................ 1 1 1 ... .., 1 1 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 10 7 13 ... ... 12 8 

See footnotes at end of table.

12 ackimedata


Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con.


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Age Sex


Section


and


itern Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years


number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Female


T.9.


T.1O.


U.1. 

ALCOHOL USE--Con.


Does heavy drinking during pregnancy definitely increase,


probably increase, probably not or definitely not increase


the chances of--(Persons under 45 years of age)--Con.


Mental retardation of the newborn


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Ooes not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Oon’tknow/No opinion.........................................


Low birth weight of the newborn


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Ooes not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Oon’tknow/No opinion.........................................


Birth defects


Increases.....................................................


Definitely increases........................................


Probably increases..........................................


Ooes not increase.............................................


Probably does not increase..................................


Definitely does not increase................................


Don't know/No opinion.........................................


Have you ever heard of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? (Persons under


45years of age) (Yes)...........................................


OENTAL CARE


This next question is about preventing tooth decay. After I


read each of the followina. tell me if vou think it is


definitely important, probably importan~, probably not, or


definitely not important in preventing tooth decay.


Seeing a dentist regularly


Important.....................................................


Oefinitely important........................................


Probably important..........................................


Not important.................................................


Probably not important......................................


Definitely not important....................................


Don’t know/No opinion.........................................


Drinking water with fluoride from early childhood


Important.....................................................


Definitely important........................................


Probably important..........................................


Not important.................................................


Probably not important......................................


Definitely not important....................................


Don't know/No opinion.........................................


Regular brushing and flossing of the teeth


Iqortint .....................................................


Definitely important........................................


Probably important..........................................


Not important.................................................


Probably not important......................................


Definitely not important....................................


Don‘t know/No opinion.........................................


Percent of population


84 88 80 . . . . . .
 46 53 40 . . . . . .
 38 35 41 . . . . . .
 4 6 . . . . . .
 ; 3 5 . . . . . .
 1 2 . . . . . .
 11 : 13 . . . . . .


87 83 . . . . . . E 50 . . . . . . 39 37 :: . . . . . . 4 4 4 . . . . . . 3 3 3 . . . . . . 1 1 . . . . . .
 1: 9 13 . . . . . .


85 89 81 . . . ,..


81 87


40 51


40 36


6 4


5 3


1


13 ;


81 89


52


;? 37


: ; 

1


14 :


88


48 54 41 . . . . . . :; 54 

37 35 40 . . . . . . 40 34 

5 4 6 . . . . . . 6 4 

4 3 5 . . . . . . 5 3 

. . . . . . 1; ; 1; . . . . . . 1; : 

57 54 60 . . . . . . 51 63


96 93 95 

83 ;: ;; :: 79 79 :; 

12 13 12 12 14 15 10 

2 2 3 2 3 1 

2 : 2 2 2


1 0 : 1 1 1 :
 2 1 1 2 5 2 2


79 85 86 62 80 

45 47 52 U 30 I 47 

35 38 34 33 32 36 33 

8 9 7 8 8 10 7 

6 7 5 5 6 

z ; 

1: : 7 1: 3; 12 13


98


90


8


1


0


0


2


See footnotes at end of table.

.

advancedata 13


Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con.


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Age Sex 

Se~;tin 

itern Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years 

number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Female 

DENTAL CARE--Con. Percent of population 

U.1. This next question is about preventing tooth decay. After I


read each of the following, tell me if you think it is


definitely important, probably important, probably not, or


definitely not important in preventing tooth decay.--Con.


Using fluoride toothpaste or fluoride mouth rinse 

Important..................................................... 90 96 94 86 76 89 90 

Definitely important........................................ 61 74 66 53 43 58 63 

Probably important.......................................... 29 22 28 34 33 31 27 

Not important................................................. 4 2 3 5 4 3 

Probably not important...................................... 3 2 3 : 3 3 2 

Definitely not important.................................... 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... i’ 2 3 8 19 7 6 

Avoiding between-meal sweets 

I~ortant ..................................................... 89 90 90 83 88 91 

Definitely important........................................ % 61 54 56 62 

Probably important.......................................... % :3 29 28 29 32 28 

Not important................................................. 6 8 6 6 8 

Probably not important...................................... 5 7 : 4 5 6 : 

Definitely not important.................................... 1 2 2 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... : 2 ; 5 1: 4 : 

U.2.	 Now I ‘m going to ask about preventing gum disease. In your 

opinion, how important or not important is each of the 

following in preventing gum disease? 

Seeing a dentist regularly 

I~ortant ..................................................... 91 94 96 

Definitely important................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . :2 % : ; 76 79 87 

Probably important,.,.,................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 12 11 11 15 15 10 

Not important............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 

Probably not important................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1 2 1 2 

Definitely not important............... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : i! 

Don’tknow/No opinion.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ; 1 ; : ; ; 2 

Drinking water with fluoride from early chindhood 

Imoortant................................ .................... 65 74 67 62 53 63 67 

Definitely important........................................ 33 37 34 31 25 30 35 

Probably important.,........................................ 32 37 33 30 28 33 32 

Not important................................................. 17 17 20 16 11 19 15 

Probably not important...................................... 12 13 15 11 7 14 11 

Definitely not important.................................... 5 4 5 5 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 18 9 13 23 3: 1: 1: 

Regular brushing and flossing of the teeth 

Inmortant.................o...o............................... 96 98 98 95 91 

Definitely important....o....o.....o..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 87 87 82 73 K :: 

Probably important....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 11 10 14 18 15 10 

Not important.............................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 1 2 1 1 

Probably not important................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Definitely not important................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : A : : ; 

Don’tknow/No opinion...................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 ; 7 3 3 

Usina fluoride toothpaste or fluoride mouth r nse 

I@ortant .................................. .................. 78 86 77 73 70 75 80 

Definitely important........................................ 47 57 46 42 38 44 

Probably important.......................................... 31 29 31 31 32 31 :: 

Not important................................................. 12 9 15 12 8 14 10 

Probably not important...................................... 9 7 12 9 5 10 7 

Definitely not important.................................... 3 2 4 3 3 4 

Don't know/No opinion......................................... 11 5 7 15 22 11 1: 

Avoiding between-meal sweets


Important..................................................... 81 84 82 80 77 79 83 

Definitely important........................................ 48 50 52 48 46 

Probably important.......................................... 35 32 28 29 33 ;; 

Notinsportant................................................. 13 13 11 8 13 10 

Probably not important...................................... 10 10 7 10 7 

Definitely not important.................................... 3 3 3 3 ; 3 3 

Don’tknow/No opinion......................................... 7 4 5 9 15 8 7 

See footnotes at end of table.

14 acklncedata


Table 1. Provisional estimates of the percent of population with selected behaviors and knowledge from the 1985 National Health


Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, by age and sex: United States, January-June 1985--Con.


(Data are based on household interviews of the civilian noninstitutionalized population. The survey design, general


qualifications, and information on the reliability of the estimates are given in technical notes.)


Age Sex


Section


and


itern Al1 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years


number Health behaviors and knowledge ages years years years and over Male Female


U.3. 

U,4. 

U.5a. 

V.la.


V.2a.


V.3a.


DENTAL CARE--Con.


In your opinion, which of the following is the main cause of 

tooth loss in children?


Tooth decay.....................................................


Gum disease.....................................................


Injury to the teeth.............................................


Don’t know......................................................


In your opinion, which of the following is the main cause of


tooth loss in adults?


Tooth decay.....................................................


Gun disease.....................................................


Injury to the teeth.............................................


Don’t know......................................................


Have you ever heard of dental sealants? (Yes).....................


OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH


In your present job, are you exposed to any substances that 

could end n er your health, such as chemicals, dusts, fumes 

or gases?! ?Currently employed persons) (Yes)..................... 

In your present job, are you exposed to any work conditions 

that could endanger your health, such as loud noise, extreme 

heat or cold, physical or mental stress, or radiations 

(Currently employed persons) (Yes)................................


In your present job are you exposed to any risks of accidents or 

fnjurfes?s (Currently employed persons) (Yes).................... 

57 55


3:	 3:


4 1


40 42


54 53


3 4


3 1


23 19


35 36


36 37


41 45


Percent of population


56 60 61


9 9


3; 26 17


2 5 13


35 40 44


62 54 43


2


1 : 1:


31 22 14


36 33 18


41 33 13


40 38 27


55 60


:: 2;


4 4


42 38


52 56


3


3 :


22 23


44 23


42 29


52 27


lNational Center for Health Statistics, C. A. s~hoenborn, and K. M. Danchik: Health Practices Among Adults: United stateS, 1977. 

Advance Data From Vital and Health Statisties. No. 64. DHEW Pub. No. (PHS) 78-1250. Public Health Service. Hyattsville, Md., 

NOV. 4, 1980. 

2National Center for Health Statistics, A. J. Moss and G. Scott: Characteristics of persons with hypertension, United States,


1974. Vital and Health Statistics. Series 10, No. 121. DHEW Pub. No. (PHS) 79-1549. Public Health Service. Washington. U.S.


Government Prlntlng f1ce, Dec. 1978.


3Natfona]center for Health Statistics, C. A. Schoenborn, K. M. Dan~hik, and J . Elfnson: Basic data from Wave I of the National 

Survey of Personnal Health Practices and Consequence, United States, 1979. Vital and Health Statisties. Series 15, No. 2. DHHS


Pub. No. (PHS) 81-1163. Public Health Service. Washington. U.S. Government Printing Off.
Ice, Aug. 1981.


4Natfonalcenter for Health Statistics, B. 8100m and S. S. Jack: Persons with and without a regular source of medical care, 

United States. Vital and Health Statistics. Series 10, No. 151. DHHS Pub. No. (PHS) 85-1579. 

5National Center for Health Statistics, A. J. Moss and M. H. Wilder: Use of selected medical procedures associated with


preventive care, United States, 1973. Vital and Health Statistics. Series 10, No. 110. DHEW Pub. No. (HRA) 77-1538. Health


Resources Administration. Washington. U.S. Government Prlntlng ffice, Mar. 1977.


6Nat,fonal center for Health Statistics, J . w. Chef: Exercise and Participation in Sports Among Persons 20 Years of Age and Over: 

United States, 1975. Advance Data From Vital and Health Statistics. No. 19. DHEW Pub. No. (PHS) 78-1250. Public Health 

Service. Hyattsville, Md., March 15, 1978, 

7Natfonal center for Health Statistics: Health, united states, 1985. DHHS Pub. No. (PHS) 85-1232. Public Health Service. 

Washington. U.S. Government Printing Office, Dec. 1984. 
aduancedata 15


Technical notes 

The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is a continuous, cross-sectional, nationwide survey conducted by 

household interview. Each week a probability sample of households is interviewed by personnel of the U.S. Bureau of the 

Census to obtain information on the health and other characteristics of each member of the household in the civilian noninstitutionalized population. 

During the first 2 quarters of 1985, the sample consisted 

of approximately 18,300 households. The total noninterview 

rate was about 4 percent—about 3 percent of which was due to 

respondent refusal and the remainder primarily due to an inability to locate eligible respondents at home after repeated 

calls, Information was obtained for all household members for 

the core section of the questionnaire; although, for the Health 

Promotion and Disease Prevention questionnaire, one adult 

per family was randomly selected as the respondent. This pr~ 

cedure resulted in an additional nonresponse rate of about 8 

percent, About 16,780 questionnaires were completed. A description of the survey design, methods used in estimation, and 

general qualifications of the NHIS data is provided in The 

National Health Interview Survey Design, 1973-84, and 

Procedures, 1975-83 (see pp. 8-9).4 

The estimated population for each of the demographic 

categories is shown in table I to allow readers to derive a pro 

visional estimate of the number of people in the United States 

with a given characteristic. However, the estimates are based 

on a sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population rather 

than on the entire population and are therefore subject to sam4Nntional Center for Health Statistics, M. G. Kovar and G. S. Poti The National Health Interview Survey Design, 1973-84, “and Procedures, 1975-83. 

Vifal and Health Statistics. Series 1, No. 18. DHHS Pub. No. (PHS) 85-1320. 

Public Health Service. Washington. U.S. Government Printing Ottice, Aug. 

1985. 

pling error. Some estimates in table 1 are small for given characteristics. When an estimate or the numerator or denominator 

of a rate is small, the sampling error may be relatively high. 

Approximate standard errors for estimates in this report are 

shown in table II. 

To expedite the early release of data from the Health 

Promotion and Disease Prevention questionnaire, it was processed separately from the NHIS core questionnaire. Thus, it 

has not been linked as yet with the core data. In addition, because of major changes in the sample design in 1985, both the 

estimates of behaviors and knowledge and the standard errors 

of the estimates shown in table II are provisional and will be 

modified when the final estimates based on the linked core are 

released. A final weighted data file covering the entire calendar 

year of data collection will be available in 1986. 

The following Federal agencies provided partial finding 

for the 1985 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Survey: 

Ofiice of the Assistant Secretary for Health 

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 

Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration 

National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 

National Institutes of Health 

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute 

National Cancer Institute 

National Institute of Dental Research 

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development 

Health Resources and Services Administration 

Centers for Disease Control 

Center for Prevention Services 

Center for Infectious Diseases 

Center for Environmental Health 

Center for Health Promotion and Education 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

Table 1. Provisional eatimatea of the civilian noninstitutionalized population by age and aex United States, January-June 1985 

Age Sex 

All 18-29 30-44 45-64 65 years 

Selected populations ages years years years and over Male Female 

Population in thousands 

Total adult population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170,520 48,461 50,677 44,486 26,896 80,564 89,955 

Females . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69,955 24,825 25,990 23,288 15,853 . . . 89,955 

Population in families with children under 10 years of age . . . . . . . . . . 42,031 16,408 22,123 3,055 445 17,787 24,243 ~ 

Population in families with children under 5 years of age. . . . . . . . . . . . 26,213 13,171 11,722 1,195 125 11,230 14,983 

Currently employ ed population ..,, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107,104 34,639 40,645 28,557 3,263 59,103 48,001 
16 ackina?data 

Table Il. Standard errors, expressed in percentage points, of estimated percents for selected age and sex groups from the 1985 National 

Health Interview Survey Supplement on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: United States, January-June 1985 

Age Sex 

18–29 30-44 45-64 65 years 

years years years and over Male Female 

All 

Estimated percent ages 

5or95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.18 

100r90 . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25 

150r85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.30 

200r80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.34 

250r 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.37 

300r70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.39 

350r65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.40 

400r60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.41 

450r 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.42 

500r 50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.42 

Suggested citation 

National Center for Health statisti~s, 0. T. 

Thornber~, R. W. Wilson, and P. Golden: Health 

promotion and disease prevention provisional data 

from the National Health Interview Survey, United 

States, January-June 1985. Advance Data From 

Vital and Health Statistics. No. 119. DH HS Pub. 

No. (PHS) 86-1250. Public Health Service. 

Hyattsville, Md. May 14, 1986. 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND 

HUMAN SERVICES 

Public Health Service 

National Center for Health Statistics 

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Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 

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Standard error in percentage points 

0.36 0.34 0.37 0.42 

0.49 0.46 0.51 0.58 

0.59 0.55 0.61 0.69 

0.66 0.62 0.68 0.78 

0.71 0.67 0.74 0.84 

0.76 0.71 0.78 0.89 

0.79 0.74 0.81 0.92 

0.81 0.76 0.83 0.95 

0.82 0.77 0.85 0.96 

0.82 0.77 0.85 0.97 

Copyright Information 

0.28 0.24 

0.39 0.33 

0.46 0.40 

0.52 0.45 

0.56 0.48 

0.60 0.51 

0.62 0.53 

0.64 0.55 

0.65 0.55 

0.65 0.56 

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