DHR survey reveals difference between what Georgians believe is healthy and the actions they take to be healthy

May 12, 2005May 12, 2005

ATLANTA (GA) – The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) announced today the findings of a recent telephone survey conducted in February 2005 that evaluated 1,000 state residents’ current knowledge, attitudes, opinions and awareness of the risk factors associated with chronic diseases. Participants were randomly selected and included Georgians ages 18 to 64.

Survey respondents cited eating healthy (80 percent), exercising (77 percent) and not using tobacco (18 percent) as integral components of a healthy lifestyle. However, one in four Georgians are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, only 11 percent of survey respondents said that undergoing routine screenings improves overall health and well-being and just one percent of survey respondents said having a positive attitude contributes to better health.

“The survey findings are significant. Often there is a disconnect between what people believe is healthy and the actions they take to be healthy,” said Stuart Brown, M.D., DHR, Division of Public Health’s acting director. “Our efforts will focus on turning perceptions into realities by educating Georgians on ways they can make healthy lifestyle changes.”

Key findings of the survey include:

  • 78 percent described their health as “good” or “very good.”

  • 66 percent said they eat healthy.

  • 63 percent said they are physically active.

  • 11 percent said they do not use tobacco.

  • 8 percent reported that they undergo routine health screenings.

  • 1 percent said they maintain a positive attitude to stay healthy.

  • The primary sources of health information cited were: television (41 percent), healthcare providers (33 percent), magazines (31 percent) and the Internet (25 percent).

  • Georgians without healthcare tended not to associate an unhealthy diet or physical inactivity with developing chronic diseases.

  • Georgians are more aware that as they get older, they need to be screened for chronic diseases.

“DHR is working to create a healthier Georgia through a partnership with Governor Sonny Perdue,” said Brown. Launched on March 21 of this year, Live Healthy Georgia is a statewide communications and community outreach campaign. Live Healthy Georgia is designed to raise awareness about the risk factors associated with developing chronic diseases and it aims to influence people in Georgia to follow 5 major guidelines to reduce the risks. The five Live Healthy Georgia guidelines are: Be Active, Get Checked, Be Smoke Free, Eat Healthy and Be Positive.

“The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line is a great example of how DHR works to help Georgians live healthier,” added Brown. “Nearly 45,000 Georgians have called the Quit Line since its inception in November 2001. This shows we are making a difference.”

For more information about DHR’s Assessment and Evaluation Study for the Live Healthy Georgia campaign, visit http://health.state.ga.us. Click on Live Healthy Georgia Campaign, and select Living Healthy Georgia Final Report. For media interviews or public presentations about the Live Healthy Georgia campaign, call 404-657-6313. For more information about cancer screenings, call 1-800-4CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or visit www.georgiacancer.org.

For information, contact:
Demetrius Parker
(404) 657-6313
[email protected]