Prev Chronic Dis

IntroductionWorksite health promotion and interventions have gained popularity among state agencies. We studied the health behaviors and health characteristics of adults employed in state agencies in Oregon and compared those state employees with the statewide population of employed, insured adults.MethodsWe used data from the Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and a modified BRFSS survey administered to state employees. State employees were compared with employed, insured BRFSS respondents in total and then separately for men and women.ResultsThe prevalence of healthy weight was lower among state employees compared with the statewide population of employed, insured adults (29% vs 35%), and the prevalence of obesity was higher (35% vs 26%). State employees were also less likely to meet physical activity recommendations (44% vs 56%). Diabetes prevalence was higher among state employees (7% vs 5%), and self-reported excellent or very good health status was lower (54% vs 64%).ConclusionsState employees differ from the statewide population of employed, insured adults on a number of health behaviors and conditions. These differences suggest obesity prevention and diabetes control as priority areas for state agency worksite interventions.2010U50/CCU021334-05/PHS HHS/United StatesU50/DP000726-03/DP/NCCDPHP CDC HHS/United StatesU58/CCU022779-05/PHS HHS/United States20712933PMC2938400768