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December 20, 2005
A new report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research shows that 45 percent of California adults age 18 and older (11.5 million in all) had one or more chronic health conditions -- including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and asthma - or rated their own health as fair or poor.
Based on data from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey, "Chronic Conditions of Californians" offers a profile of those who are affected by each health condition, providing an important tool for health planners and policy makers.
"Chronic Conditions of Californians" also identifies the problem of adult health geographically. For instance, the counties that have the highest percentage of adults with one or more chronic health conditions include Madera County, Kern County and the groupings of Lake/Mendocino counties and Colusa/Glenn/Tehama counties. Southern Los Angeles County was also identified as having a particularly high number of adults with one or more chronic health conditions.
Individuals with chronic conditions require ongoing medical treatment and management, making access to health care critical. The report also identifies geographic areas that are experiencing the perfect storm of high rates of chronic conditions combined with problems accessing health services and barriers to health care access. Such areas include Kern, Madera and Merced counties, as well as the grouping of Colusa/Glenn/Tehama counties. Marin, San Diego, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties - as well as western Los Angeles County - show the lowest percentages of adults with chronic conditions as well as the fewest problems getting necessary medical care.
Findings also suggest that chronic conditions and their consequences are not only issues for the elderly. The report documents that there are substantial numbers of non-elderly adults who have chronic conditions and are vulnerable to problems accessing the health care system.
Since it was first conducted in 2001, the California Health Interview Survey has been an essential tool for policy makers, researchers and health advocates at every level needing a detailed snapshot of the complex health needs of California's diverse population. The survey is a collaborative project of the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, the California Department of Health Services, and the Public Health Institute.
The UCLA Center for Health Policy Research was established in 1994 and is one of the nation's leading health policy research centers. It is also the premier source of key health policy information for California. The Center is based in the UCLA School of Public Health and is affiliated with the UCLA School of Public Affairs.
View the policy brief:
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