Health Outcomes Measure Definitions

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Arthritis among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years.
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they had arthritis.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years who answered “yes” or “no” to the following question: “Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you have some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia?” (excluding those who refused to answer, had a missing answer, or answered “don’t know/not sure”).
Measures of frequency Annual prevalence (years 2011–2015) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.
Time period of case definition Lifetime.
Background An estimated 52.5 million adults have physician-diagnosed arthritis, and 22.7 million report arthritis-attributable activity limitations (1). As the population ages, arthritis is expected to affect an estimated 67 million adults in the United States by 2030 (2). In 2003, arthritis cost an estimated $128 billion in direct medical and indirect costs (3).
Significance Monitoring the prevalence and public health effects of arthritis are important for estimating the state-specific need for interventions that reduce symptoms, improve physical function, and improve the quality of life for persons with arthritis. These interventions include self-management education programs that have been shown to reduce pain and improve psychological health and health behaviors and physical activity programs that have been shown to improve physical function, mental health, and quality of life.
Limitations of indicator Physician-diagnosed arthritis is self-reported in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and was not confirmed by a health-care provider or objective monitoring; however, such self-reports have been shown to be acceptable for surveillance purposes (4) (despite minor changes made in 2011 to the case-finding question to include arthritis on the chronic conditions core).
Data resources Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
In addition, CDC typically provides this estimate in standard arthritis BRFSS tables produced for each state for odd-numbered years. Unadjusted data are usually presented in these tables to provide actual estimates to help in state-level program planning.
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias.  In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
Related recommendations
  • Healthy People 2020 objectives: AOCBC-1: Reduce the mean level of joint pain among adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
  • AOCBC-2: Reduce the proportion of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis who experience a limitation in activity because of arthritis or joint symptoms.
  • AOCBC-4: Reduce the proportion of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis who have difficulty in performing two or more personal care activities, thereby preserving independence.
  • AOCBC-5: Reduce the proportion of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis who report serious psychological distress.
  • AOCBC-6: Reduce the impact of doctor-diagnosed arthritis on employment in the working-age population.
  • AOCBC-7: Increase the proportion of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis who receive health-care provider counseling.
  • AOCBC-8: Increase the proportion of adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis who have had effective, evidence-based arthritis education as an integral part of the management of their condition.
  1. CDC. Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis and arthritis-attributable activity limitation—United States, 2010–2012. MMWR 2013;62:869–73.
  2. Hootman JM, Helmick CG. Projections of U.S. prevalence of arthritis and associated activity limitations. Arthritis Rheum 2006;54:226–9.
  3. CDC. National and state medical expenditures and lost earnings attributable to arthritis and other rheumatic conditions—United States, 2003. MMWR 2007;56:4–7.
  4. Sacks JJ, Harrold LR, Helmick CG, Gurwitz JH, Emani S, Yood RA. Validation of a surveillance case definition for arthritis. J Rheumatol 2005;32:340–7.
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Current asthma prevalence among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years.
Numerator Weighted number of respondents who answer “yes” both to both of the following questions: “Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you have asthma?” and the question “Do you still have asthma?”
Denominator Weighted number of respondents to BRFSS excluding “don’t know” and “refused” responses to the question “Have you ever been told you have asthma?”
Measures of frequency Annual number of state residents with current asthma and annual current asthma prevalence percentage with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.

Annual number of adults (aged≥18 years) with current asthma and percentage of adults with current asthma with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.
Time period of case definition Calendar year of survey.
Background Estimates of asthma prevalence indicate the number and percentage of the population with asthma at a given point in time. National estimates indicate that both adult and child current asthma prevalence estimates have been increasing from 20.3 million persons in 2001 to 25.7 million persons in 2010, of which 7.0 million were children (1). Adult current asthma prevalence, available for states from BRFSS since 2001, varies by state and region as well as by many demographic characteristics (2).
Significance Asthma prevalence describes the size of a state’s population with asthma as well as the overall asthma prevalence relative to other chronic conditions. The greater the prevalence of asthma, the greater the likelihood of adverse outcomes from asthma including emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and death (1). Compared with persons without asthma, persons with asthma have more days of activity limitation and missed school and missed work and are more likely to report comorbid depression (3–7).
Limitations of indicator Physician-diagnosed asthma is self-reported in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and was not confirmed by a health-care provider or objective monitoring. This survey-based indicator requires a doctor diagnosis of asthma, which may not include all persons with asthma.
Data resources BRFSS survey for adults (all states).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias.  In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
  1. Moorman JE, Akinbami LJ, Bailey CM, et al. National surveillance of asthma: United States, 2001–2010. Vital Health Stat 2012;3(35).
  2. CDC. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC.
  3. Moonie S, Sterling D, Figgs L, Castro M. Asthma status and severity affects missed school days. J School Health 2006;76:18–24.
  4. King ME. Serious psychological distress and asthma [Chapter 5]. In: Preedy VR, ed. Scientific basis of healthcare. London, England: Science Publishers; 2012:86–107.
  5. Strine TW, Mokdad AH, Balluz LS, et al. Depression and anxiety in the United States: findings from the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Psychiatr Serv 2008;59:1383–90.
  6. Chapman DP, Perry GS, Strine TW. The vital link between chronic disease and depressive disorders. Prev Chronic Dis 2005;2:A14.
  7. Scott KM, Von Korff M, Ormel J, et al. Mental disorders among adults with asthma: results from the World Mental Health Survey. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2007;29:123–33.
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High blood pressure among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years.
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report ever having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they have high blood pressure. Women who were told high blood pressure only during pregnancy and those who were told they had borderline hypertension were not included.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years (excluding those who refused to answer, had a missing answer, or answered “don’t know/not sure”).
Measures of frequency Biennial (odd years) prevalence: crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population, distribution 9 [1]) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.
Time period of case definition Past year.
Background In the United States, one out of three adults had hypertension (2003–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) (2). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2009 data showed that the overall age-adjusted prevalence of self-reported high blood pressure in the United States was 28.3% (3).
Significance Approximately 348,000 American deaths in 2009 included high blood pressure as a primary or contributing cause (4). Approximately 20%–30% of coronary heart disease and 20%–50% of strokes in the United States are attributable to uncontrolled hypertension (4). Blood pressure–related cardiovascular complications can occur before the onset of established hypertension (4). Lifestyle risk factors for hypertension include high sodium intake, excessive caloric intake, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, and deficient potassium intake. Lifestyle changes and medications can be used to reduce blood pressure (4).
Limitations of indicator Indicator does not measure the proportion of adults who currently have diagnosed high blood pressure and might result in an underestimate of the prevalence of high blood pressure. Indicator is based on having been told that one has high blood pressure and is subject to recall and actually having been told. Additionally, reports are not validated against actual blood pressure measurements or medical records.
Data resources Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias.  In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
Related recommendations
  • Healthy People 2020 objective HDS-4: Increase the proportion of adults who have had their blood pressure measured within the preceding 2 years and can state whether their blood pressure was normal or high.
  • Healthy People 2020 objective HDS-5.1: Reduce the proportion of adults with hypertension.
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy people 2010 statistical notes, no. 20 [PDF–122 KB]. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2001.
  2. CDC. Vital signs: awareness and treatment of uncontrolled hypertension among adults—United States, 2003–2010. MMWR 2012;61:703–9.
  3. CDC. Self-reported hypertension and use of antihypertensive medication among adults—United States, 2005–2009. MMWR 2013;62:237–44.
  4. Go AS, Mozaffarian D, Roger VL, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2013 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2013;127:e6–245.
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Cancer (excluding skin cancer) among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years.
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report ever having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they have any other types (besides skin) of cancer.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years (excluding those who refused to answer, had a missing answer, or answered “don’t know/not sure”).
Measures of frequency Biennial (odd years) prevalence: crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population, distribution 9 [1]) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.
Time period of case definition Past year.
Background Malignant neoplasms (ICD-10: C00-C97) accounted for 572,623 deaths (22.9% of total deaths) among US adults in 2012. (2)
Significance Continued advances in cancer research, detection, and treatment have resulted in a decline in both incidence and death rates for all cancers from 1975-2006. (3) Among people who develop cancer, more than half will be alive in 5 years. (4) Yet, cancer remains a leading cause of death in the United States, second only to heart disease. (2)
Limitations of indicator The indicator is based on being diagnosed by a physician and respondent recall of the diagnosis and might underestimate the true prevalence. This indicator is not specific to cancer type.
Data resources Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias. In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
Related recommendations Healthy People 2020 objectives C-1 through C-7, and C-9 through C-11.
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy people 2010 statistical notes, no. 20 [PDF–122 KB]. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2001.
  2. Heron M. Deaths: Leading causes for 2012. National vital statistics reports; vol 64 no 10. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2015.
  3. Edwards BK, Ward E, Kohler BA, et al. Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer, 1975–2006, featuring colorectal cancer trends and impact of interventions (risk factors, screening, and treatment) to reduce future rates. Cancer. 2010 Feb 1;116(3):544-73.
  4. National Cancer Institute, Surveillance Research Program. Cancer Statistics Review 1975–2006: Age-adjusted SEER incidence and US death rates and 5-year relative survival rates [PDF–460 KB]. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute.
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High cholesterol among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years.
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they had high cholesterol.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report having their cholesterol checked within the past 5 years (excluding those who refused to answer, had a missing answer, or answered “don’t know/not sure”).
Measures of frequency Biennial (odd years) prevalence: crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population, distribution 9 [1]) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.
Time period of case definition Past 5 years.
Background Among those who had ever been screened for high blood cholesterol, the percentage who reported ever being told by a health-care provider their blood cholesterol was high was 35.0% in 2009 (2). Only 33.5% (one out of three) adults with high cholesterol have the condition under control, and approximately half of adults with high cholesterol get treatment (3).
Significance Elevated levels of serum cholesterol can lead to development of atherosclerosis (4). Approximately 30%–40% of coronary heart disease and 10%–20% of strokes in the United States are attributable to elevated serum cholesterol (4). Elevated cholesterol has been associated with physical inactivity, high fat intake, smoking cigarettes, diabetes, and obesity (4). Lifestyle changes and medications can reduce cholesterol and prevent heart disease among persons with elevated serum cholesterol (4).
Limitations of indicator Validity and reliability of this indicator can be low because patients might not be aware of the specific tests conducted on their blood samples collected in clinical settings. Or the patients cannot afford to go to see doctor to get cholesterol checked.
Data resources Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias.  In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
Related recommendations
  • Healthy People 2020 objective HDS-6: Increase the proportion of adults who have had their blood cholesterol checked within the preceding 5 years.
  • Healthy People 2020 objective HDS-7: Reduce the proportion of adults with high total blood cholesterol levels.
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy people 2010 statistical notes, no. 20 [PDF–122 KB]. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2001.
  2. CDC. Prevalence of cholesterol screening and high blood cholesterol among adults—United States, 2005, 2007, and 2009 MMWR 2012;61;697–702
  3. CDC. Vital signs: prevalence, treatment, and control of high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: United States, 1999–2002 and 2005–2008. MMWR 2011;60:109–14.
  4. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III). Third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) final report. Circulation 2002;106:3143–421.
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Chronic kidney disease among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group All adults aged ≥18 years.
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report ever having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they have kidney disease.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report or do not report ever having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they have kidney disease (excluding those who refused to answer, had a missing answer, or answered “don’t know/not sure”).
Measures of frequency Annual prevalence: crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population, distribution 9) (1) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.
Time period of case definition Calendar year.
Background In 2011, kidney disease was the ninth leading cause of death in the United States (2). Although approximately 600,000 persons have end-stage renal disease (3), approximately 20 million U.S. adults aged ≥20 years are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD) (4), and most of them are unaware of their condition (5).
Significance If left untreated, CKD can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation for survival (4) However, persons with CKD are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than develop end-stage renal disease (4). Controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol can prevent or delay these conditions and improve health outcomes (4). For the first time, Healthy People 2020 included objectives addressing the earlier stages of kidney disease (6).
Limitations of indicator Reducing the proportion of the U.S. population with CKD is likely to be difficult because of the growing prevalence of major risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and aging of the population (7). Many years may pass before declining trends are observed.
Data resources Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias.  In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate. The estimated prevalence of CKD in the U.S. population is likely to be an underestimate because BRFSS is a telephone survey that excludes the institutionalized population, in whom the prevalence is likely to be higher (8), and because prevalence is based on self-report. Most persons with CKD are unaware of their condition (5). In addition, one data point is available. The following question was asked for the first time in the 2011 BRFSS core questionnaire: “Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional EVER told you have kidney disease? Do NOT include kidney stones, bladder infection or incontinence.” (9).
Related recommendations Healthy People 2020 objective CKD-1: Reduce the proportion of the U.S. population with chronic kidney disease.
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy people 2010 statistical notes, no. 20 [PDF–122 KB]. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2001.
  2. Hoyert DL, Xu JQ. Deaths: Preliminary data for 2011. Natl Vital Stat Rep 2012;61(6).
  3. US Renal Data System. Incidence, prevalence, patient characteristics, and treatment modalities (Chapter 2) [PDF–13.1 MB]. In: USRDS 2013 annual data report: atlas of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in the United States. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2013..
  4. CDC. National chronic kidney disease fact sheet: general information and national estimates on chronic kidney disease in the United States, 2010. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2010.
  5. Plantinga LC, Boulware LE, Coresh J, et al. Patient awareness of chronic kidney disease: trends and predictors. Arch Intern Med 2008;168:2268–75.
  6. US Department of Health and Human Services. Healthy people 2020. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC.
  7. Boyle JP, Thompson TJ, Gregg EW, Barker LE, Williamson DF. Projection of the year 2050 burden of diabetes in the U.S. adult population: dynamic modeling of incidence, mortality, and prediabetes prevalence. Popul Health Metr 2010;8:29.
  8. McClellan WM, Resnick B, Lei L, et al. Prevalence and severity of chronic kidney disease and anemia in the nursing home population. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2010;11:33–41.
  9. CDC. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System: questionnaires. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report ever having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report or do not report ever having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they had COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis (excluding those who refused to answer, had a missing answer, or answered “don’t know/not sure”).
Measures of frequency Annual prevalence (percentage), crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population [1]) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible (age groups: 1] 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years and 2] 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84,and ≥85 years )
Time period of case definition Lifetime (ever diagnosed) with COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Background In 2011, 6.3% (15 million) of adults aged≥18 years reported that they had COPD (2). Another estimated 15 million adults have impaired pulmonary function and COPD symptoms but are unaware of having COPD because the disease has not been diagnosed by their physician with the use of spirometry (3). Approximately 80%–90% of identified COPD cases occur at ages≥45 years (2,4).
Significance Elimination of tobacco use or exposure might be the most effective way to reduce COPD because almost 80% of COPD deaths are attributable to smoking (5). Other risk factors for COPD include occupational exposure, ambient air pollution, and long-term severe asthma (6). Public education and awareness of COPD symptoms and earlier diagnosis with spirometry and treatment might slow additional lung damage, improve COPD symptoms, and reduce COPD-related disability and deaths (7).
Limitations of indicator The indicator is based on being diagnosed by a physician and respondent recall of the diagnosis and might underestimate the true prevalence.
Data resources Prevalence data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (numerator) and population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau (denominator).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias.  In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
Related recommendations Healthy People 2020 objective RD-13: (Developmental) Increase the proportion of adults with abnormal lung function whose underlying obstructive disease has been diagnosed.
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy people 2010 statistical notes, no. 20 [PDF–122 KB]. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2001.
  2. CDC. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults—United States, 2011. MMWR 2012;61:938–43.
  3. Mannino DM, Gagnon RC, Petty TL, Lydick E. Obstructive lung disease and low lung function in adults in the United States: data from the national health and nutrition examination survey, 1988–1994. Arch Intern Med 2000;160:1683–9.
  4. Ford ES, Croft JB, Mannino DM, Wheaton AG, Zhang X, Giles WH. COPD surveillance—United States, 1999–2011. Chest 2013;144:284–305.
  5. CDC. Smoking-attributable mortality, years of potential life lost, and productivity losses—United States, 2000–2004. MMWR 2008;57:1226–8.
  6. Mannino DM. Epidemiology and global impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2005;26:204–10.
  7. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, Weinberger SE, et al. Diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical practice guideline update from the American College of Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society. Ann Intern Med 2011;155:179–91.
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Coronary heart disease among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report ever having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they had angina or coronary heart disease.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report or do not report ever having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they had angina or coronary heart disease (excluding those who refused to answer, had a missing answer, or answered “don’t know/not sure”).
Measures of frequency Annual prevalence (percentage), crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population [1]) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible (age groups: 1] 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years and 2] 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84,and ≥85 years )
Time period of case definition Lifetime (ever diagnosed) with angina or coronary heart disease.
Background About 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year (2). Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease, killing over 370,000 people annually (2). Every year about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 525,000 are a first heart attack and 210,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack (3).
Significance Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.  More than half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2009 were in men (2). Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people of most ethnicities in the US, including African Americans, Hispanics, and whites. For American Indians or Alaska Natives or Pacific Islanders, heart disease is second only to cancer (4).
Limitations of indicator The indicator is based on being diagnosed by a physician and respondent recall of the diagnosis and might underestimate the true prevalence.
Data resources Prevalence data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (numerator) and population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau (denominator).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias. In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
Related recommendations Healthy People 2020 objective HDS-2: Reduce coronary heart disease deaths.
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy people 2010 statistical notes, no. 20 [PDF–122 KB]. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2001.
  2. CDC, NCHS. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2013 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released 2015. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2013, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed Feb. 3, 2015.
  3. Mozaffarian D, Benjamin EJ, Go AS, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2015 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2015;131:e29-322.
  4. CDC. Deaths, percent of total deaths, and death rates for the 15 leading causes of death in 10-year age groups, by race and sex: United States, 2013.
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Depression among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years.
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they had depressive disorder.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years who answered “yes” or “no” to the following question: “Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you had a depressive disorder (including depression, major depression, dysthymia, or minor depression)?” (excluding those who refused to answer, had a missing answer, or answered “don’t know/not sure”).
Measures of frequency Annual prevalence (percentage), crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population, distribution 9) (1) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.
Time period of case definition Lifetime.
Background In 2010, depression was estimated to have cost $210.5 billion in direct costs, suicide-related costs, and workplace costs (2). An estimated 17.3 million adults (7.1%) have had at least one major depressive episode in 2017 (3). In 2019, 2.8% of adults experienced severe symptoms of depression, 4.2% experienced moderate symptoms, and 11.5% experienced mild symptoms in the past 2 weeks (4).
Significance Depression is a major cause of disability and can contribute to the severity of other conditions such as COPD, diabetes, and asthma (5, 6). Monitoring the prevalence and public health effects of depression are important for estimating the state-specific need for interventions that can help reduce the symptoms and how long the depression lasts. Examples of interventions include routine, systematic clinical screening, promoting physical activity, medication, and therapy (7,8,9).
Limitations of indicator Physician-diagnosed depression is self-reported in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and was not confirmed by a health-care provider or objective monitoring; however, such self-reports have been shown to be acceptable for surveillance purposes (despite minor changes made in 2011 to the case-finding question to include depression on the chronic conditions core).
Data resources Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). In addition, CDC typically provides this estimate in standard depression BRFSS tables produced for each state every year. Unadjusted data are usually presented in these tables to provide state-level estimates to help in program planning.
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias. To address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
Related recommendations

Healthy People 2030 objective MHMD-05: Increase the proportion of adults with depression who get treatment

Healthy People 2030 objective MHMD-06: Increase the proportion of adolescents with depression who get treatment

Healthy People 2030 objective MHMD-08: Increase the proportion of primary care visits where adolescents and adults are screened for depression

Healthy People 2030 objective DH-D01: Reduce the prevalence of anxiety or depression among family caregivers of persons with disabling conditions

Healthy People 2030 objective MICH-D01: Increase the proportion of women who get screened for postpartum depression (10)
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy People Statistical Notes, no. 20. Hyattsville, Maryland: National Center for Health Statistics. 2001. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/statnt/statnt20.pdf [PDF – 121 KB]
  2. Greenberg PE, Fournier AA, Sisitsky T, et al. The economic burden of adults with major depressive disorder in the United States (2005 and 2010). J Clin Psychiatry. 2015;76(2):155-62. doi: 4088/JCP.14m09298.
  3. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD; 2018 https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/NSDUHDetailedTabs2017/NSDUHDetailedTabs2017.pdf
  4. Villarroel MA, Terlizzi EP. Symptoms of depression among adults: United States, 2019. NCHS Data Brief. 2020;379:1-8.
  5. Moussavi S, Chatterji S, Verdes E, et al. Depression, chronic diseases, and decrements in health: results from the World Health Surveys. Lancet. 2007;370(9590):851-8. doi: 1016/S0140-6736(07)61415-9.
  6. Connolly MJ, Yohannes AM. The impact of depression in older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Maturitas. 2016;92:9-14. doi: 1016/j.maturitas.2016.07.005.
  7. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Recommendation: Depression in Adults: Screening. Accessed July 30, 2021. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/depression-in-adults-screening
  8. Guide to Community Preventive Services. Mental Health: Collaborative Care for the Management of Depressive Disorders. Accessed July 30, 2021. https://www.thecommunityguide.org/findings/mental-health-collaborative-care-management-depressive-disorders.
  9. Davidson JRT. Major Depressive Disorder Treatment Guidelines in America and Europe. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 2010;71. Doi: 4088/JCP.9058se1c.04gry
  10. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Healthy People 2030: Mental Health and Mental Disorders. Accessed July 30, 2021. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/browse-objectives/mental-health-and-mental-disorders
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Diagnosed diabetes among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years.
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they have diabetes other than diabetes during pregnancy.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report or do not report ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they have diabetes (excluding those who refused to answer, had a missing answer, or answered “don’t know/not sure”).
Measures of frequency Annual prevalence: crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population, distribution 8 [1]) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.
Time period of case definition Lifetime (ever diagnosed).
Background In 2011, 9% of the U.S. adult population aged≥18 years had diagnosed diabetes (2). Substantial differences in diabetes prevalence exist by age, race, and ethnicity (3).
Significance The impact of diabetes in the United States has increased with the increasing prevalence of obesity (3). Multiple long-term complications of diabetes can be prevented through improved patient education and self-management and provision of adequate and timely screening services and medical care (4).
Limitations of indicator Approximately one fourth of cases of diabetes are undiagnosed (4).
Data resources Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias.  In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
Related recommendations None.
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy people 2010 statistical notes, no. 20 [PDF–122 KB]. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2001.
  2. CDC. National Diabetes Surveillance System. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC.
  3. Geiss LS, Cowie C. Type 2 diabetes and persons at high risk of diabetes. In: Venkat Narayan KM, Williams D, Gregg EW, Cowie C, eds. Diabetes public health: from data to policy. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2011:15–32.
  4. CDC. National diabetes fact sheet: national estimates and general information on diabetes and prediabetes in the United States, 2011. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2011.
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Obesity among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years.
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who have a body mass index (BMI) ≥30.0 kg/m² calculated from self-reported weight and height. Exclude the following:
• Height: data from respondents measuring <3 ft or ≥8 ft
• Weight: data from respondents weighing <50 lbs or ≥650 lbs
• BMI: data from respondents with BMI <12 kg/m2 ≥100 kg/m2
• Pregnant women
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years for whom BMI can be calculated from their self-reported weight and height (excluding unknowns, refusals to provide weight or height and exclusions listed below):
• Height: data from respondents measuring <3 ft or ≥8 ft
• Weight: data from respondents weighing <50 lbs or ≥650 lbs
• BMI: data from respondents with BMI <12 kg/m2 ≥100 kg/m2
• Pregnant women
Measures of frequency Annual prevalence: crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population, distribution 9 [1]) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.
Time period of case definition Current.
Background In 2012, state prevalences for obesity ranged from 20.5% to 34.7% based on self-reported BRFSS data (2).
Significance Being overweight or obese increases the risk for multiple chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and certain cancers (3).
Limitations of indicator Self-reports of height and weight lead to lower BMI estimates compared with estimates obtained when height and weight are measured (4,5).
Data resources Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias.  In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
Related recommendations Healthy People 2020 objective NWS-9: Reduce the proportion of adults who are obese.
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy People 2010 Statistical Notes, no. 20 [PDF–122 KB]. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2001.
  2. CDC. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System: prevalence and trends data: overweight and obesity (BMI)—2012. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC.
  3. CDC. Overweight and obesity: causes and consequences. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC.
  4. Kuczmarski MF, Kuczmarski RJ. Matthew Najjar. Effects of age on validity of self-reported height, weight, and body mass index: findings from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–1994. J Am Diet Assoc 2001;101:28–34.
  5. Merrill RM, Richardson JS. Validity of self-reported height, weight, and body mass index: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001–2006. Prev Chronic Dis 2009;6:A121.
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All teeth lost among adults aged ≥65 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥65 years.
Numerator Respondents aged ≥65 years who report having lost all of their natural teeth because of tooth decay or gum disease.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥65 years (exclude unknowns and refusals).
Measures of frequency Biennial prevalence (even years): crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population, distribution 18 [1]) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible.
Time period of case definition Current.
Background Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 2010 indicated that 16.9% (median) of adults aged≥65 years in the United States were edentulous (had no natural teeth) (2). Among persons aged 65–74 years, 14.2% were edentulous. Among persons aged≥75 years, 19.9% were edentulous (2).
Significance Loss of all natural permanent teeth (complete tooth loss) substantially reduces quality of life, self-image, and daily functioning (3).
Limitations of indicator Health beliefs, societal attitudes, and history of dental treatment affect the levels of complete tooth loss. The indicator does not consider these questions.
Data resources Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage (e.g., on college campuses or in the military), nonresponse (e.g., refusal to participate in the survey or to answer specific questions), or measurement (e.g., social desirability or recall bias). To address some of these potential concerns, BRFSS began including cellular telephone–only users in the 2011 data collection. Because of changes in sampling and weighting methods, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with previous years’ data are inappropriate.
Related indicators or recommendations Healthy People 2020 objective OH-4.2: Reduce the proportion of older adults aged 65–74 years who have lost all of their natural teeth.
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy people 2010 statistical notes, no. 20 [PDF–122 KB]. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2001.
  2. CDC. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System—prevalence and trends data. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC.
  3. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research; CDC. Dental, oral, and craniofacial data resource center—oral health U.S. 2002. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC.
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Stroke among adults aged ≥18 years
Demographic group Resident adults aged ≥18 years
Numerator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report ever having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they have had a stroke.
Denominator Respondents aged ≥18 years who report or do not report ever having been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that they have had a stroke (excluding those who refused to answer, had a missing answer, or answered “don’t know/not sure”).
Measures of frequency Annual prevalence (percentage), crude and age adjusted (standardized by the direct method to the year 2000 standard U.S. population [1]) with 95% confidence intervals and by demographic characteristics when feasible (age groups: 1] 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84, and ≥85 years and 2] 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, 75–84,and ≥85 years )
Time period of case definition Lifetime (ever diagnosed) with a stroke.
Background Every year, more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. About 185,000 strokes are in people who have had a previous stroke. (2)  About 87% of all strokes are ischemic strokes, when blood flow to the brain is blocked. (2)
Significance Stroke kills almost 130,000 Americans each year – approximately 1 out of every 20 deaths. (3) Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability. (2) Stroke costs the US an estimated $34 billion each year, which includes the cost of health care services, medications to treat stroke, and missed days of work. (2)  Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death for Americans, but the risk of having a stroke varies with race and ethnicity. Risk of having a first stroke is nearly twice as high for blacks than for whites, and blacks are more likely to die following a stroke than are whites. (2) Hispanics’ risk for stroke falls between that of whites and blacks. (2) American Indians, Alaska Natives, and blacks are more likely to have had a stroke than are other groups. (4) Although stroke risk increases with age, strokes can—and do—occur at any age. In 2009, 34% of people hospitalized for stroke were younger than 65 years. (5)
Limitations of indicator The indicator is based on being diagnosed by a physician and respondent recall of the diagnosis and might underestimate the true prevalence.
Data resources Prevalence data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (numerator) and population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau (denominator).
Limitations of data resources As with all self-reported sample surveys, BRFSS data might be subject to systematic error resulting from noncoverage, nonresponse, or measurement bias.  In an effort to address noncoverage issues related to phone use, BRFSS began including cell phone interviews in the 2011 data collection. Due to changes in sampling and weighting methodology, 2011 is a new baseline for BRFSS, and comparisons with prior year data are inappropriate.
Related recommendations Healthy People 2020 Objective HDS-3: Reduce stroke deaths.
  1. Klein RJ, Schoenborn CA. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population. Healthy people 2010 statistical notes, no. 20 [PDF–122 KB]. Hyattsville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2001.
  2. Mozaffarian D, Benjamin EJ, Go AS, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2015 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2015 ;e29-322.
  3. CDC, NCHS. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2013 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released 2015. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2013, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed Feb. 3, 2015.
  4. CDC. Prevalence of stroke — United States, 2006–2010. MMWR. 2012;61(20):379–82.
  5. Fang J, Keenan NL, Ayala C, Dai S, Merritt R, Denny CH. Awareness of stroke warning symptoms—13 states and the District of Columbia, 2005. MMWR. 2008;57(18):481–5.
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