Definition
Frequent physical distress is highly linked with having chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis, as well as health behavior risk factors, such as physical inactivity, binge drinking, and smoking. Physical debility that accompanies such chronic conditions can affect all aspects of life and often results in psychological/mental distress.
Human Health Mechanism
Physical distress is an aversive, negative state in which chronic conditions cause one significant discomfort, pain, or inability to engage in everyday activities. This could manifest in difficulty breathing, mobility limitations, nausea/vomiting, migraines, etc.
Indicator Measurement
Data are available through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) PLACES public dashboard and are collected from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which is a state-based, telephone interview survey. BRFSS provides the prevalence of frequent physical distress by modeling the percentage of adults who report 14 or more days during the past 30 days during which their physical health was not good.
Related Health Outcomes & Exposures
Obesity, Physical Inactivity, PM2.5, Extreme Heat, Food Insecurity, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Physical Disability, Not Enough Sleep Hours, Greenness, Walkability
