Boston, Massachusetts — Behavioral Patterns

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use

Percentage of the total adult population in Suffolk County, Massachusetts that reported themselves either as a smoker, as a "heavy" drinker or someone who has recently used illicit drugs. Sources: CDC Community Health Status Indicators Report (drug use) and RWJ County Health Rankings (alcohol and tobacco use).

Percentage of the Population
19%
Alcohol
17%
Tobacco
10%
Drugs
Compared to State and National
Substance Massachusetts United States
Alcohol 20.0% -1% 14.6% +4.4%
Tobacco 16.5% +0.5% 20.5% -3.5%
Drugs 9.2% +0.8% 5.6% +4.4%

Teen Pregnancy

Teen birth rate (per 1,000 females ages 15-19) in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Source: County Health Rankings (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation)

Teen Birth Rate
Compared to State and National
Group Massachusetts United States
Females 15-19 19.1 +4.9 45.8 -21.8

Physical Inactivity

A person is considered physically inactive if during the past month, other than a regular job, he or she did not participate in any physical activities or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise. Source: National Diabetes Surveillance System (CDC)

Physically Inactive
Compared to State and National
Massachusetts United States
Physically Inactive 20.9% +1.2% 28.0% -5.9%

Preventive Care

Percentage of relevant populations who avail themselves of age- and sex-appropriate preventive care measures. Source: CDC: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

Compared to State and National
Procedure Massachusetts United States
Pap Smear 85.8% +0% 82.0% +3.8%
Mammogram 85.6% +0.1% 80.0% +5.7%
Colonoscopy 51.4% +1.3% 43.1% +9.6%
Pneumonia Vaccine 66.1% -6.6% 65.5% -6%
Flu Vaccine 72.1% +0.1% 69.4% +2.8%