Community Health Status Report

 Issue #10 - Risk Factor Survey Report, December 2003

 SUMMARY

 The current report is based on data collected by the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) through a telephone survey in late 2001 and early 2002. A random sample of 372 residents over 18 years of age living in communities served by the RCDHU were surveyed regarding risk factors for chronic diseases such as eating habits, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke and access to food. The cost of a nutritious food basket (surveyed separately) is also reported.

 The sample contained proportionally more people over age 55, fewer people under age 25 and more women compared to the total population. In some cases the report presents survey responses directly. In other cases, population proportions have been estimated using statistical techniques. The two ways of presenting the findings are reflected in the wording of the summary points below.

 Food and nutrition-related indicators

• Based on self-reported weight and height, it was estimated that 54 percent of Renfrew County and District (RC&D) residents were overweight or obese (65% of men and 48% of women).
• An estimated one half of the population frequently ate low fat foods. The proportion doing so increased with age, did not appear to vary with income, and did not show any relationship with body mass index. (I.e. people who reported often or always choosing low fat foods were no more or less likely to be overweight or obese than people who sometimes or never choose low fat foods.)
• An estimated 30 percent of residents were consuming the minimum recommended five servings per day of vegetables and fruits (20% of males and 35% of females).
• Eating at least five servings of vegetable and fruits per day was more common among respondents with higher household incomes. Respondents who were obese were less likely to consume five or more servings of vegetables and fruit per day.
• Most respondents were consuming 3 or 4 servings of vegetables and fruits per day. Doubling this amount would likely have a positive health impact.
• 3.5 percent of respondents reported not having enough food to eat because of a lack of money in the past 12 months. This would translate to 2,600 individuals in the total population over age 18.
• In June 2003, the cost of a nutritious food basket was $131.55 (for a reference family of four), 8 percent higher than the average cost for the province. The cost has increased 20 percent in RC&D since monitoring began in 1998.

 Tobacco-related indicators

• An estimated 22 percent of RC&D residents were daily smokers (24% female; 18% male). This has declined from 25 percent in 1991 but is still higher than Ontario as a whole (20%).
• An estimated 65 percent of residents would support a bylaw that would make all enclosed public places smoke-free.

 Physical activity-related indicators

• An estimated 62 percent of RC&D residents were engaging in moderate activity for at least 30 minutes a day.
• An estimated one third of residents were moderately active for 60 minutes per day.