Contact: Maridith Geuder
In studying the results of a regional survey conducted for Tupelo-based North Mississippi Health Services, social scientists at Mississippi State are finding good news and bad news.
In a telephone questionnaire, adults in a 22-county region served by NMHS--one of the nation's largest rural health care systems--were asked about health behaviors ranging from smoking habits to cancer screening requests. The survey was developed and administered by researchers at the university's Social Science Research Center.
"We wanted to determine the overall quality of health among area residents," said Dr. Jeffrey B. Barber, NMHS president and chief executive officer. "This measurable data will help us plan programs and services to fulfill our mission of improving the health of people in our region."
The survey is one of the first major efforts resulting from an NMHS/MSU partnership announced in 2000 to develop research projects that evaluate ways in which behaviors, culture and social factors affect health in Mississippi and other Southern states.
Directed by the SSRC's Duane A. Gill and Robert C. McMillen, the regional community health assessment was designed to be compatible with the national Healthy People 2010, an initiative from the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
"'Healthy People' is the prevention agenda established for the nation," McMillen explained. "Our survey will assist NMHS in setting its own agenda and monitoring progress toward its goals."
As for the positive news, the survey finds the region often comparing favorably to the state and nation. Specifically:
--More than 60 percent of adult smokers have tried to quit in the past year, compared to 55 percent in Mississippi and 51 percent in the nation.
--Fewer adults report binge drinking--13.8 percent of area adults, compared to 32 percent in Mississippi and 28 percent in the nation.
--In Lee County, the home of NMHS, more than 37 percent report getting annual flu shots, compared to approximately 31 percent in both the state and nation.
Barber said the "good news" results indicate that specific NMHS prevention programs appear to be having an impact.
"Cigarette smoking, for instance, is the single most preventable cause of disease and death in the United States," Barber said. "Knowing this, NMHS offers free smoking cessation programs year-round throughout our health-care system."
Similarly, free flu shots offered by NMHS and the state Department of Health during an annual Live Well Health Fair seem to be having a positive effect in the Tupelo area. To extend the prevention efforts, NMHS offers low-cost flu shots at locations throughout the region.
As for the other side of the proverbial coin, the survey identifies several areas that will help NMHS focus its future efforts. Among areas of concern:
--Slightly more than 25 percent rate their overall quality of health as poor, compared to just over 13 percent in the nation.
--The number reporting an inability to afford health care during the past year is almost double the national figure (18 percent, compared to 9.6 percent nationally).
--More than 63 percent of area adults report being overweight and nearly 27 percent report being obese, compared to the national median of 56 percent and 19.8 percent, respectively.
Area adults also report lower rates of screening for colon cancer, fewer breast exams and fewer pap smears.
"Having this information will enable us to continue to develop effective programs and delivery systems to meet the needs of those we serve," Barber said.
NMHS offers diagnostic and therapeutic services through the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Clay County Medical Center in West Point, Iuka Hospital, Pontotoc Hospital, Webster Health Services in Eupora, and Marion Regional Medical Center in Hamilton, Ala. The Tupelo center, its 650-bed flagship facility, is the nation's largest non-metropolitan hospital.