Health behavior in a Cajun population

To investigate the health behaviors of a unique population, Cajuns, in a way that their responses could be differentiated from their non-Cajun neighbors and also compared to the nation, select questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Survey were completed by 2,029 residents of central Louisiana. Of these, 537 self-identified as Cajun. In general, Cajuns behaved and felt less healthy than national respondents. Compared to non-Cajuns, Cajuns received less vaccinations and were more likely to use alcohol and tobacco. Despite their motto of "laissez les bon temps rouler," Cajuns may greatly benefit from social and health education intervention.