Behavioral risk factors in an Amish community

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• The Amish population in Holmes County, Ohio, represents a unique cultural group with potentially distinct health behaviors.
• Understanding these behaviors is crucial for public health initiatives and comparative health research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare health risk characteristics and behaviors between Amish and non-Amish adults in Holmes County, Ohio.
• To identify specific behavioral differences that may influence health outcomes in the Amish population.

Main Methods:

• A representative sample of 400 Amish adults and 773 non-Amish adults were surveyed using the Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS).
• Data were collected through in-person interviews for the Amish and telephone interviews for the non-Amish.
• Comparisons were made on various health risk factors including substance use, diet, weight management, physical activity, and safety practices.

Main Results:

• Amish adults reported lower consumption of alcohol and tobacco compared to non-Amish adults.
• The Amish were less likely to add salt to food and more likely to take vitamin supplements.
• Amish individuals engaged less in leisure-time physical activity and weight-loss-related exercise.
• Amish women reported lower seat belt usage than non-Amish women.

Conclusions:

• Observed health behavior patterns among the Amish reflect cultural characteristics.
• These distinct behaviors may contribute to the favorable mortality rates observed in the Amish population.
• Further research is warranted to explore the influence of cultural factors on health behaviors and outcomes.