The Welborn Baptist Foundation has released the results of its latest Tri-State Health Survey.
It shows strength in screenings and preventive care but higher rates of certain chronic diseases and conditions.
The foundation’s Elizabeth Tharp says in a news release that the telephone survey of 4,300 adults and 900 children suggests adults engage in recommended prevention practices, like cancer screenings and routine check-ups as frequently or more so than the national average.
But Tharp says the survey shows continued and increased efforts are needed in mental health, substance abuse, tobacco use, nutrition, and healthy weight.
Obesity remains a major problem. The survey shows one out of every three Tri-State adults, one out of five children between the ages of 6 and 11, and one out of three preschool aged children is obese.
The survey also says one out of three adults have been diagnosed with arthritis, almost four out of ten have high blood pressure, and nearly one of four adults deal with depression or anxiety. One of four children have been diagnosed with developmental, emotional, or conduct problems. All those rates are higher than national averages.
The foundation surveyed residents in five southwest Indiana counties, in one western Kentucky county, and in one southeast Illinois county.