Reports results of the statewide Family Health Survey.

In 2002, an estimated 11 percent of the Wisconsin household population was reported to be in fair or

poor health. Older adults, blacks, City of Milwaukee residents, the less educated, those with low

incomes, children living in homes with no employed adults, and those who were without health

insurance the past year were more likely to be reported in fair or poor health.

An estimated 45 percent of all adults had ever been diagnosed with one or more of eight chronic

health conditions. The most commonly reported chronic conditions were allergy/hay fever and back

An estimated 13 percent of the adult household population was reported to be unable to do, or have

difficulty performing, at least one of five physical activities. Fourteen percent of those with

allergy/hay fever were unable, or found it very difficult, to do at least one of the five activities,

compared to 66 percent of those who had a stroke, 48 percent with a lung or breathing problem, 46

percent with heart disease, and 42 percent with diabetes.

Seven percent of all residents were kept from going to school or working at a job or at home because

of a health condition. Four percent of those age 65-74 and 10 percent of those 75 and older had

trouble eating, dressing, bathing or using the toilet.

Five percent of all residents had trouble seeing, even when wearing glasses or contact lenses, and 10

percent had a hearing loss or trouble hearing. The prevalence of these conditions increased greatly

In the past year, 6 percent of children and 8 percent of adults had received mental health care. Ten

percent of adults had experienced a mental depression and 6 percent of adults had experienced an

anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder at some point in their lives.