2010 Community Health Needs Assessment Final Report

Transcription

1 2010 Community Health Needs Assessment Final Report April 2011

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS A. BACKGROUND 3 B. DEMOGRAPHICS 4 C. GENERAL HEALTH STATUS 10 D. ACCESS TO CARE 11 E. DIABETES 12 F. HYPERTENSION AWARENESS 13 G. CHOLESTEROL AWARENESS 14 H. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE 15 I. ASTHMA 16 J. TOBACCO 17 K. ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION 18 L. IMMUNIZATION 19 M. ARTHRITIS BURDEN 20 N. WOMEN S HEALTH 21 O. CANCER SCREENING 23 P. CANCER SURVIVORS/SURVIVORSHIP 25 Q. ADDITIONAL WELLNESS TOPICS Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 2

3 A. BACKGROUND Eastern Connecticut Health Network undertook a comprehensive community health needs assessment, beginning in early The purpose of the study was to gather current statistics and qualitative feedback on the key health issues facing service area residents. Eastern Connecticut Health Network contracted with Holleran, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania-based research firm, to execute the various research components. The community health needs assessment was comprised of two research components: Secondary Data Profile (report updated Feb 2011) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Study (report completed July 2010) This final report document outlines the summary of findings from the two research components, noting historical trends and comparisons. The report is broken down into theme-related sections, such as general health status, chronic disease, etc. Each section ends with a takeaways section that highlights the key trends and noteworthy findings that warrant further attention. If there is a difference between the household survey results and either the national or state comparison figure and the word significant is not explicitly used to describe the difference, assume the figures are not statistically significant and, therefore, essentially similar. Lastly, if not otherwise stated, respondents will refer to those answering the 2010 BRFSS questionnaire during the study conducted in the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 3

4 B. DEMOGRAPHICS Unless otherwise noted, the source of the data compilations given in this section is Claritas, an independent company specializing in measurement and information. These data were provided by ECHN to Holleran and are based on 2009 estimates based on national census data. The population in Eastern Connecticut Health Network s service area is over 328,000 with the male to female ratio (49.1% to 50.9%) very close to the state and national ratios as seen in the chart below. Gender Comparisons 60% 49.3% 48.8% 49.1% 50.7% 51.2% 50.9% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Male Female United States Connecticut ECHN Service Area The age breakdown in Eastern Connecticut Health Network s service area is relatively similar to the associated breakdowns in the United States and Connecticut. There are no large differences when looking at national and state comparisons across various age range category breakouts. The chart below shows comparisons across four age range categories: 0-17 years, years, years, and 65 and older Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 4

5 Age Breakout Comparisons 50.0% 45.0% 40.0% 35.0% 30.0% 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 24.4% 23.2% 21.9% 37.0% 37.3% 35.0% 27.8% 28.0% 25.8% 13.0% 13.8% 12.7% 0-17 years years years 65 and older United States Connecticut ECHN Service Area The racial breakdown of Eastern Connecticut Health Network s service area residents is primarily White (82.5%). The next largest population is the Black/African American race, at 7.5% of the population. According to the chart below, Eastern Connecticut Health Network s service area s White population is higher than the national and state comparisons, and the Black/ African American percentage there is less than the figures from the national and state comparisons Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 5

6 Racial Breakout Comparison 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 80.6% 82.5% 74.9% White 13.3% 10.8% 7.5% 14.8% 11.3% 7.8% Black/African American Other United States Connecticut ECHN Service Area The percentage of the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area population that is qualified as Hispanic or Latino (7.0%) is lower than both the national and state percentages, which are 15.5% and 11.8% respectively. On the issue of what language is spoken within the home, while the percentage of those in the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area speaking English is similar to those nationally and statewide, the percentage of those speaking Spanish (4.8%) is less than reported nationally and statewide, 10.8% and 8.2% respectively. The household statistics paint a picture of a service area comprised primarily of family households (67.2%). The percentage of households headed by females without husbands present (10.3%) is less than what is reported nationally (17.3%) and statewide (17.5%). Additionally, when looking at marital status, among those who are 15 years of age or older, 27.8% have never been married, 57.0% are married, and 9.3% and divorced. These percentages are very close to the national and state levels. The income statistics for the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area are favorable comparatively speaking. The median household income for the service area is $71,280, and the national and state figures are $51,287 and $66,519 respectively Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 6

7 The graph below shows the distribution of household income in the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area compared to national and state distributions. 40% Household Income Distribution 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Less than $25,000 $25,000 to $54,999 $55,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $249,999 $250,000 or more United States Connecticut ECHN Service Area Another important statistic is poverty in terms of the welfare of children. The graph below shows the percentage of families whose income in the past twelve months is below the poverty level. The three categories represent various family/household structures Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 7

8 Families with Children Below Poverty Level 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 6.8% 2.8% 1.8% Married couple with children 24.9% 21.8% 16.1% Male householder with children 39.4% 29.9% Female householder with children 21.7% United States Connecticut ECHN Service Area Also, according to data from the Connecticut Department of Education, 25.3% of children in the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area receive free or reduced school lunch compared to 32.9% statewide. Regarding employment status, 66.8% of the civilian population 16 years and over in the potential labor force is employed, compared to 60.2% nationally and 63% statewide. The same constituency that is unemployed in the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area is 2.6% compared to 3.6% nationally and 3.5% statewide. To illuminate educational attainment, the following graph shows comparisons of the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area and the national and statewide levels Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 8

9 Educational Attainment 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 19.4% 16.1%12.5% No Degree 83.9% 87.5% 80.6% HS Graduate or Higher 24.7% 31.1% 32.1% Bachelor's Degree or Higher United States Connecticut ECHN Service Area Takeaways: Demographics Gender and age group percentages are very similar to national and state figures. Most households in the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area are reflective of family households. The median household income for the service area is $71,280, and the national and state figures are $51,287 and $66,519 respectively. The service area compares favorably in the areas of income, poverty, and educational attainment Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 9

10 C. GENERAL HEALTH STATUS The household survey asked respondents to rate their general health, and 84.3% of those surveyed responded that their general health is good, very good or excellent. The figures from the Connecticut and United States BRFSS studies are 89.7% and 84.0% respectively. The percentage of area residents reporting their general health is poor (5.3%) is significantly higher than the percentage in Connecticut (2.9%) and similar to 4.3% nationally. Regarding physical health, 61.3% of respondents stated that there were no days during the past 30 days in which their physical health was not good, which is similar to Connecticut (63.8%) and nationally (64%). A similar question was asked regarding mental health, and 67.6% of service area respondents reported no days in the past month where their mental health was not good. Again, this is similar to the state and national figures, 66.6% and 66.1% respectively. Additionally, respondents were asked how many days out of the past 30 did poor physical or mental health keep them from doing usual activities. Those responding no such days comprised 62.5%, which is similar to what was reported in Connecticut (61.6%) and the nation (58.9%). Female respondents were significantly more likely to report having one or more days in the past thirty in which their mental and physical health was not good. Takeaways: General Health Status Area residents are more likely to perceive their overall health as poor compared to statewide survey respondents. Area females are more likely than males to have poor physical or mental health interfere with usual activities Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 10

11 D. ACCESS TO CARE A large portion, 93.5%, of area respondents report having some kind of health care coverage. This is a significantly higher proportion than both 90.6% statewide and 84.7% nationally. When asked whether there is one person considered to be a personal doctor or health care provider, 83.4% of household survey respondents answered, yes, only one, which is significantly higher than both the state (80.4%) and national (73.7%) proportions. There were 9.4% of respondents that needed to see a doctor in the past 12 months but could not because of cost, which is the same as the state figure but significantly less than the national proportion (14.9%). Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area respondents appear to be diligent with regular medical checkups, as 78.5% report seeing a healthcare provider for a checkup within the past year. This is a significantly higher proportion than reported statewide (71.3%) and nationally (68.5%). Further analysis of the access to care issue reveals significant differences across certain demographic groups. White respondents are significantly more likely to have health coverage compared to Black or African American respondents. Female respondents are significantly more likely to have one person they think of as their personal doctor compared to male respondents. Lastly, White respondents are significantly more likely to have one person they think of as their personal doctor compared to Asian respondents. Takeaways: Access to Care Area respondents report having significantly higher incidences of health care coverage, having one personal doctor, and having an annual medical checkup compared to statewide and nationally. White respondents are more fortunate with respect to health care coverage and having one personal doctor compared to Blacks/ African Americans and Asians respectively. Female respondents are significantly more likely to have one person they think of as their personal doctor compared to male respondents Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 11

12 E. DIABETES A number of questions were asked of household survey respondents addressing the issue of diabetes. First, respondents were asked whether they ve been told they have diabetes. Approximately one in eight (12.4%) stated that they had been told this by a doctor; this proportion is significantly higher that the proportion at the state (6.7%) and national (9.1%) levels. Of those survey respondents without a diagnosis of diabetes, 66% said they had a test for high blood sugar or diabetes within the past three years. This is significantly higher than both the state and national figures, 56.8% and 55.6% respectively. Regarding pre-diabetic conditions, 6.9% of respondents have been told they have pre-diabetes or borderline diabetes at some point by a doctor or other health professional. That proportion is not significantly different than the state (7.2%) and national (6%) levels. The age of onset among those with diabetes was not significantly different across the seven age categories compared to figures statewide and nationally. Among those with diabetes, 13.1% claimed they had not seen a doctor, nurse, or other health professional for their condition in the past year, which is similar to the Connecticut (14.5%) and national (12.5%) proportions. Regarding diabetes selfmanagement, 64.9% of respondents with diabetes have taken a course in managing their diabetes themselves, which is a proportion significantly higher than the Connecticut and national figures, 49.3% and 55.3% respectively. There were no significant differences across gender and race regarding diabetes. Takeaways: Diabetes The Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area has a significantly higher proportion of diabetics than what is reported statewide and nationally. A significantly higher proportion of respondents without diabetes report having a detection test compared to what has been reported statewide and nationally. Of those respondents with diabetes, a significantly higher proportion has taken a course in self-management compared to state and national figures Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 12

13 F. HYPERTENSION AWARENESS Survey respondents were asked two questions regarding hypertension. First, respondents were asked whether they had ever been told by a health professional that they had high blood pressure, and 35.4% said that they had. This is significantly higher than both the state and national figures, 27.1% and 29.3% respectively. Those with high blood pressure were asked whether they are currently taking medicine for their condition, and 85% stated that they were. This again is significantly higher than the state and national figures, 78.7% and 78.1% respectively. Male respondents are significantly more likely to have been told they have borderline high blood pressure compared to females. Takeaways: Hypertension Awareness There is a significantly higher incidence of high blood pressure among respondents compared to state and nationally reported frequencies. Those respondents with high blood pressure report taking better care of their condition via medication in comparison to state and national respondents. Male respondents are significantly more likely to have been told they have borderline high blood pressure compared to females Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 13

14 G. CHOLESTEROL AWARENESS More than 9 out of ten (92.5%) survey respondents stated they have had their cholesterol checked, which is a significantly higher proportion than statewide (86.7%) and nationally (80.9%). When asked how long it had been since their last cholesterol check, 79.9% reported that it was within the past year, which is significantly higher than state and national proportions, 72.1% and 73.8% respectively. Respondents that have had their cholesterol checked were also asked whether a health professional told them their blood cholesterol is high. Four out of ten stated that a health professional had done so. This figure is significantly higher than the 37.3% statewide and similar to the 38% nationally. Demographically, White respondents are significantly more likely to have had their cholesterol checked compared to Black/ African American respondents. Takeaways: Cholesterol Awareness A significantly higher percentage of respondents have had their cholesterol checked compared to state and national respondents. Of those respondents who have had their cholesterol checked, a significantly higher percentage had it checked within the past year compared to state and national proportions. Also, of the respondents who have had their cholesterol checked, a significantly higher percentage has been diagnosed as having high cholesterol compared to state and national figures. White respondents are significantly more likely to have had their cholesterol checked compared to Black/ African American respondents Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 14

15 H. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE From 2005 to 2007, the leading cause of death in the William W. Backus service area was heart disease; a quarter of all deaths were attributable to heart disease, which is very similar to state and national rates. According to Connecticut Department of Public Health and United States Department of Health and Human Services statistics, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the service area as well as across Connecticut and the United States. Over a quarter (26.6%) of all deaths in the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area is attributable to heart disease. There were three questions asked of survey respondents addressing cardiovascular disease prevalence. The first question that was asked was simply whether the respondent had ever been told by a health professional they have had a heart attack, and 4.4% answered that they had been told they had a heart attack, which is a significantly higher proportion than statewide (3%) and similar to the national proportion (4%). The respondents were asked whether a health professional had ever told them they had angina or coronary heart disease, and 6% of survey respondents answered that they had, which is significantly higher than the statewide (3.3%) and national (4%) figures. Lastly, respondents were asked whether a health professional had ever told them they had a stroke, and 2.8% stated they had, which is significantly higher than the 1.6% statewide and similar to the 2.5% nationally. Male respondents are significantly more likely to have been told they had angina or coronary heart disease compared to females. Takeaways: Cardiovascular Disease Comparatively speaking, there is a significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular disease among Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area respondents, especially compared to the Connecticut respondent figures. Male respondents are significantly more likely to have been told they had angina or coronary heart disease compared to females Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 15

16 I. ASTHMA Close to one sixth (16.4%) of respondents stated that they had been told by a health professional that they have asthma, which is higher than the statewide proportion (15.3%) and significantly higher than the national (13.4%) proportion. Of the respondents who had been told they have asthma, 70.2% said they still have asthma, which is statistically similar to the statewide (62.8%) and national (64.5%) figures. Respondents with asthma were asked how many times they had to visit an emergency room or urgent care center in the past year due to asthma. Just more than 9 out of 10 (90.7%) reported that they did not have to make such a visit in the past year, which is significantly higher than the national proportion (68.8%). Demographically, female respondents are significantly more likely to have been told they have asthma compared to male respondents. According to secondary data from the Connecticut Department of Health, there were asthma emergency department visits at a rate of 50.8 per 10,000. Takeaways: Asthma Area respondents overwhelmingly report not needing to visit the emergency room due to their asthma. Female respondents are significantly more likely to have been told they have asthma compared to male respondents Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 16

17 J. TOBACCO Over half (51.4%) of survey respondents said they had smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their entire life, which is a significantly higher proportion than the state (43.7%) and national (42.9%) figures. Of those respondents who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their life, 74.6% said they do not currently smoke at all, which is significantly higher than the state (64.6%) and national (58%) comparisons. Of those respondents who currently smoke, 54.5% have stopped smoking for one day or longer in the past year in an attempt to quit smoking altogether. This proportion is similar to the state and national proportions, 59.6% and 59.7% respectively. White respondents are significantly more likely to have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their entire life compared to Black or African American respondents. Takeaways: Tobacco A significantly greater percentage of service area respondents have smoked 100 cigarettes in their entire life, comparatively speaking. However, a significantly higher proportion no longer smokes at all. White respondents are significantly more likely to have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their entire life compared to Black or African American respondents Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 17

18 K. ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Among survey respondents, 43.1% reported consuming no alcoholic beverages during the past 30 days, which is significantly higher than the state (33%) and consistent with national (45.6%) figures. Respondents who had at least one drink in the past month were then asked how many drinks they had on average on the days that they drank. Approximately 6% of area respondents indicated drinking 5 or more drinks on such occasions, which is lower than the state comparison (7.6%) and significantly lower than the national figure (10.8%). Lastly, respondents were asked to state the largest number of drinks they had on any occasion during the past 30 days. A majority of respondents (59%) reported having only one or two drinks, which is a significantly higher figure than the percentage reported at both the state and national levels (50.1%). Male respondents are significantly more likely to have had an alcoholic drink in the past 30 days compared to females. Male respondents are more likely to have had a drink days in the past 30 days compared to female respondents. White respondents are more likely to have at least one drink in the past 30 days compared to Black/ African American and Asian respondents. Takeaways: Alcohol Consumption Comparatively speaking, Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area respondents drink less alcohol than residents statewide. Of those respondents who do drink, the rate of those claiming binge-type drinking on an average occasion (5 or more drinks) is half the rate reported nationally. When asked the largest number of alcoholic drinks they ve had on an occasion, the proportion only having 1 to 2 drinks is significantly greater compared to state and national figures. Male respondents are significantly more likely to have had an alcoholic drink in the past 30 days compared to females. Male respondents are more likely to have had a drink 21 to 30 days in the past month compared to female respondents. White respondents are more likely to have at least one drink in the past 30 days compared to Black/ African American and Asian respondents Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 18

19 L. IMMUNIZATION Disease prevention in the form of immunization was determined using three questions. Nearly 54% of area residents have had a flu shot during the past year, which is significantly higher than the statewide (41.9%) and national (37.9%) comparisons. Also, 2.3% of respondents report having had a flu vaccine administered via nasal spray, which is a proportion that is also significantly higher than the state and national proportions, 0.5% and 1% respectively. Additionally, 34.2% have had a pneumonia shot, which is a significantly higher percentage than what is seen statewide and nationally, 24.2% and 25.4% respectively. In terms of demographic comparisons, there are no significant differences to report. Takeaways: Immunization In comparison to state and national statistics, the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area benefits from relatively high flu and pneumonia immunization rates according survey respondents Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 19

20 M. ARTHRITIS BURDEN Survey respondents were asked whether a health professional had ever told them they had arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia; and 33.5% responded yes. This is a significantly higher percentage than what was reported statewide and nationally, 24.9% and 25.9% respectively. Of those with these arthritic conditions, 46.2% report being limited in some way in their usual activities due to the conditions, which is similar to the state (41.4%) and national (45.9%) proportions. When asked whether these conditions affect their work, 23.2% stated that they did, which is similar to the state (22.5%) and significantly lower than the national (30%) comparisons. Lastly, respondents were asked to what degree these conditions interfered with normal social activities during the past thirty days, and 64.8% of respondents stated not at all, which is a proportion similar to statewide (65%) and significantly higher than reported nationally (59%). Female respondents are significantly more likely to have been told by a health professional that they suffer from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia compared to male respondents. Takeaways: Arthritis Burden In comparison to state and national statistics, the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area has a significantly higher incidence rate of arthritic conditions. According to the evidence, survey respondents are not hindered in normal activities by arthritic conditions any more than state and national respondents. Female respondents are significantly more likely to have been told by a health professional that they suffer from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia compared to male respondents Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 20

21 N. WOMEN S HEALTH Seven questions were asked of females regarding women s health preventative measures. More than 8 out of 10 (81.5%) survey respondents stated they had a mammogram at some point in their lives. This figure is significantly higher than the national figure (67.5%). Of all female respondents, only 5.4% stated that the last mammogram occurred 5 or more years ago, which is similar to the national figure (6.3%). According to survey respondents, 94.1% have had a clinical breast exam at some point, which is significantly higher than the national percentage (89.7%). Of the respondents who had had a breast exam, 75.1% had the exam within the past year, which is also similar to the national proportion, 74.4%. Regarding a Pap test, a test for cancer of the cervix, 95.8% of female survey respondents had the test, which is a proportion significantly higher than what is seen nationally, 93.4%. When asked how long it has been since the last Pap test, 57.8% had it within the past year, which is significantly lower than the national percentage, 65.8%. The respondents were also asked whether they had a hysterectomy, and 25.4% answered affirmatively, which is a percentage that compares similarly to the national figure, 25.5%. When looking at female respondents who are 50 or more years of age, the percentage of those who had their last Pap test within the past year (46.9%) is significantly less than what was reported nationally (55.9%). Also in this age group, the percentage of those respondents who have had a hysterectomy (36.9%) is significantly less than what was reported nationally (44.2%). White respondents are significantly more likely to have had a mammogram compared to Asian and Black/ African American respondents. White respondents are also significantly more likely to have had a clinical breast exam compared to Asian respondents Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 21

22 Takeaways: Women s Health The female respondents are taking significant steps in prevention, as evidenced in areas such as mammograms, breast exams, and cervical cancer screenings. The survey results suggest that there is some opportunity for female respondents to be more timely with annual women s health screenings. White respondents are significantly more likely to have had a mammogram and breast exam compared to Asian and Black/ African American (mammograms) and Asian (breast exams) respondents. The percentages of female respondents age 50 and older who have had a Pap test within the past year and who have had a hysterectomy are significantly less than what has been reported nationally Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 22

23 O. CANCER SCREENING Cancer is the second leading cause of death, closely behind heart disease, in the service area as it is statewide and nationally. The chart below shows cancer incidence rates by type of cancer for the service area compared to state and national rates. Cancer Incidence (2003) ECHN Rates per 100,000 United States Connecticut Service Area All Sites Lung Melanoma of the Skin Prostate Breast, Female Colon/Rectum Data Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health, CDC Wonder, United States Cancer Statistics, Incidence Archive Results Prostate Cancer Respondents in this survey section were all males, 40 years of age and older. More than 6 out of 10 (65.6%) respondents have had a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test at some point in their lives, which is statistically similar to the national comparison (64.8%). Of those who have had a PSA test, 71.7% had it within the past year, which is also a similar statistic compared to the US responses (69.5%). The proportion of respondents (80.3%) that have ever had a digital rectal exam is significantly higher than the national proportion (71.5%). Of those who have had a digital rectal exam, 64.9% had it within the past year, which is also significantly higher than the national proportion (49.2%). To conclude this section, respondents were asked if a health professional had ever told them they had prostate cancer. There were 3.7% of respondents that answered yes, which is similar to the percentages seen at the national level (3.6%). White respondents are significantly more likely to have had a PSA test compared to Black/ African American respondents Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 23

24 Colorectal Cancer Respondents in this section were all 50 years of age and older. Respondents were asked whether they ever used a home blood stool test. Roughly 46% answered yes, which is a significantly higher proportion than reported nationally, 35.9%. When those who have used a home blood stool test were asked how long it had been since the last test was administered, 34.3% stated within the past year, which is similar to the national figure, 29.3%. There were 69.4% of respondents who have had either a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy at some point in their lives. This proportion is similar to the national comparison, 69.1%. When asked which test, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, was the most recent, 94.7% claimed it was a colonoscopy, which is a proportion significantly higher the national figure, 92.1%. Of those who have had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, 25.3% did so within the past year, which is significantly lower than the national figure, 29.6%. Given that sigmoidoscopies and colonoscopies are not necessarily recommended on an annual basis, this lower rate compared to the national figure should not necessarily be interpreted as a negative finding. There were no significant differences across the gender and race categories. Takeaways: Cancer Screening Regarding prostate cancer screening, males in the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area are significantly proactive in such screenings compared to national data. White respondents are significantly more likely to have had a PSA test compared to Black/ African American respondents. As evidenced by survey respondents, adults aged fifty and older in the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area are significantly more likely to have administered a home blood stool test to look for the possibility of colorectal cancer compared to national statistics. Of those who have had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, area respondents are less likely to have such a test on an annual basis Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 24

25 P. CANCER SURVIVORS/SURVIVORSHIP Cancer Survivors Just over eleven percent (11.4%) of respondents stated that they had been told by a health professional that they have cancer, which is similar to 9.7% statewide and significantly higher than 9.6% nationally. Of those with cancer, 85.7% claimed they had only one type of cancer, which is similar to state and national proportions, 85.6% and 85.3% respectively. Also, those with cancer were asked at what age they were told they had cancer. All age categories were similar in terms of cancer disclosure with the exception of the year old category, where 28.7% of respondents were told they had cancer. This percentage is significantly higher than the state and national figures, 20.6% and 21.1% respectively. There were no significant differences across gender and race categories in the Cancer Survivors section. Cancer Survivorship One particular section on the survey was devoted to those who have/had cancer. These individuals were asked whether they are currently receiving treatment, and 15.6% said they were, which is a proportion significantly higher than the state and national proportions, 10% and 9.6% respectively. Respondents were asked whether a health professional had ever provided a written summary of all cancer treatments they have received. Nearly 26% answered affirmatively, while a similar proportion statewide (32.8%) and a significantly higher proportion nationally (37.3%) answered likewise. There were 68.5% of respondents that have received instructions from a health professional about where to go for routine cancer check-ups after treatment, which is a statistically similar figure to statewide and national statistics, 72.2% and 73.4% respectively. When asked about the most recent diagnosis of cancer, these individuals were asked if they had health insurance that paid for all or part of their cancer treatment. An overwhelming majority, 95.8%, claimed they had such coverage, which is a similar percentage to statewide and national statistics, 96.3% and 92.9%. Respondents were then asked whether they were ever denied health insurance or life insurance coverage because of cancer, and 7.2% answered affirmatively, while a similar proportion statewide (8.3%) and nationally (8.4%) answered likewise Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 25

26 Respondents were asked whether they had participated in a clinical trial as part of their cancer treatment, and 6% stated that they had, which is similar to state and national proportions, 7.2% and 6.2% respectively. On the issue of cancer associated pain, two questions were asked of respondents. The first question was whether physical pain currently exists as a result of their cancer or cancer treatment, and 5.4% stated that this was the case. This is a similar statistic compared to 8.1% statewide and 8.4% nationally. Among those that currently have physical pain, 85.7% state that the pain is under control, which is a similar proportion to state and national proportions, 78.2% and 82.8% respectively. As in the Cancer Survivors section above, there were no significant differences across gender and race categories. Takeaways: Cancer Survivors/Survivorship A significantly higher proportion of respondents stated that they have been told by a health professional that they have cancer compared to the national figure. Regarding incidence of cancer treatment, physician diligence, and associated pain, the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area compares favorably to state and national statistics Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 26

27 Q. ADDITIONAL WELLNESS TOPICS Sleep Respondents were asked how many days they felt they did not get enough rest or sleep during the past thirty days. There were 33.9% of respondents that stated there were no such days, which compares similarly to state and national figures, which are both 31.4%. Exercise Respondents were asked whether they had participated in any physical activities or exercises during the past month, and 81.6% stated that they had, while 78.4% statewide and 75.4% nationally stated so. Both comparative proportions are significantly below that of the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area respondents. Oral Health When asked how long it had been since they last visited a dentist or dental clinic for any reason, 80.4% indicated that they had done so within the past year, similar to state and national proportions, 79.4% and 68.8% respectively. Caregiver Status There were 26.7% of respondents who claimed they provided care or assistance to a friend or family member during the past month. The similar state and national statistics are 24.1% and 24.7% respectively. Female respondents are significantly more likely to have provided care or assistance to a friend or family member compared to male respondents. Disability Respondents were asked whether they were limited in any way in any activities because of physical, mental, or emotional problems, and 27.1% had indicated that in fact they were. This proportion is significantly higher than the proportion reported statewide and nationally, 16.1% and 18.9% respectively Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 27

28 Takeaways: Additional Wellness Topics Comparatively, respondents indicated that exercise is performed in the Eastern Connecticut Health Network service area with significantly higher frequency. Female respondents are significantly more likely to have provided care or assistance to a friend or family member compared to male respondents. Significantly more so than across the state and nation, respondents indicated they were limited in activities due to physical, mental, or emotional problems Eastern Connecticut Health Network Needs Assessment Final Report 28