BACKGROUND: The Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a national survey that collects data on health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and the use of preventive services. During the 2013 and 2014 survey years, Maryland BRFSS collected industry and occupation data, providing insight into health outcomes and health behaviors of approximately three million Maryland workers. This analysis examines 18 health indicators by occupation, industry, and sociodemographic variables.
METHODS: Maryland BRFSS survey respondents who were employed or out of work for less than one year were asked their occupation and industry. Occupations and industries were grouped into 21 North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) industry categories and 22 Standard Occupation Classification (SOC) occupation categories. Analyses were conducted using the SURVEYFREQ procedure in SAS. Percentages are weighted, unadjusted, bivariate prevalence estimates.
RESULTS: In 2013 and 2014, 64.9% of Maryland adults were employed or out of work for less than one year. Workers were: 52.2% male, 53.7% ages 18 to 44, 53.9% white, 28.3% black, 9.3% Hispanic, and 6.1% Asian, 38.7% college graduates, and 50.0% household income ≥ $75,000. Workers most commonly reported hypertension (27.0%), arthritis (17.3%), and depressive disorders (13.6%). Health status indicators included overweight (36.8%), obesity (29.5%), fair/poor general health (9.8%), and poor mental health (7.7%). Health behaviors included current and former smoking (15.5% and 19.9%), and not always wearing seatbelts (9.0%). Most respondents had health insurance coverage (88.7%) and reported getting routine checkups (71.4%), while 11.5% reported they were not seeing a doctor because of cost. Compared to all workers, workers in construction had an increased prevalence of being overweight, in poor/fair health, currently or formerly smoking, not always wearing a seatbelt, lacking health insurance, not seeing a doctor because of cost, and not getting routine checkups. Workers in construction industries smoked more frequently than the general population. This was true if they were men, white or black, ages 18-54, completed 1-3 years of college, or had a household income more than $25,000. Workers in real estate had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (41.9%) and arthritis (27.1%) compared to all workers (27.0% and 17.3% respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: Health indicators differ by occupations and industries. Analysis of this data in conjunction with sociodemographic variables could provide insights into targeted outreach and public health actions in Maryland communities. Medical professionals should consider collecting occupational history to better inform patient care.