West Des Moines, Iowa — Behavioral Patterns

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use

Percentage of the total adult population in Polk County, Iowa 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
19%
Tobacco
3.6%
Drugs
Compared to State and National
Substance Iowa United States
Alcohol 19.0% ±0.0% 14.6% +4.4%
Tobacco 18.3% +0.7% 20.5% -1.5%
Drugs 3.8% -0.2% 5.6% -2%

Teen Pregnancy

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

Teen Birth Rate
Compared to State and National
Group Iowa United States
Females 15-19 30.6 +10.4 45.8 -4.8

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
Iowa United States
Physically Inactive 25.5% -1.6% 28.0% -4.1%

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 Iowa United States
Pap Smear 82.2% +5.9% 82.0% +6.1%
Mammogram 81.2% -0.1% 80.0% +1.1%
Colonoscopy 42.5% +5.5% 43.1% +4.9%
Pneumonia Vaccine 71.1% +1.3% 65.5% +6.9%
Flu Vaccine 76.4% +0.1% 69.4% +7.1%