Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to perform a preliminary assessment of the prevalence, awareness, potential risk factors and comorbid health conditions among workers at a healthcare institution in rural Northeast Texas.

Methods: A self-administered 20-item health status survey was conducted among workers of a healthcare institution in rural Northeast Texas. The survey included questions on work-related factors, modifiable health behaviors, history of specific health issues, perceived body size as well as height and weight from which actual obesity was assessed. Odds ratios (OR) and associated 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were generated to explore the potential association of each variable with obesity.

Results: The response rate was 23.7% (340/1432). Over 77% of the respondents were obese/overweight. The prevalence was significantly higher among Blacks (compared to Non-Hispanic Whites), those earning