Determining the behavioral risk factors in people living in Adana Counties; Ceyhan, Karaisalı, Pozantı, Yumurtalık, Kozan, İmamoğlu, Saimbeyli, Tufanbeyli, Feke, Aladağ, Karataş

Background and Aim: In this study, we searched for asthma, diabetes, oral health status and disability of people living in the counties of Adana city (excluding Seyhan, Yüreğir, Sarıçam and Çukurova).Materials and Methods: Data was collected by ?telephone interview? method. The phone numbers were selected by ?systematic cluster sampling method? from the list of home phone numbers for the counties of Adana city. Interviews were only with individuals >18 years of age. The questionnaire was modified from the structured questionnaire of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System designed particularly for telephone interviewing. Data was installed during the interview. The Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing was used. The system was conducted using "Uysal WebQ 1" and "Epi Info" softwares. The interviews were held in ?Cukurova University Field Research by Telephone and Internet (TISAB)?.Results: The response rate was 58% (1096/1888). Prevalence for asthma was 6,6%, for diabetes 10,1%. Of the sample, 40,0% stated that they had visited a dentist during the last year and the prevalence of disability (either permanent or temporary) was 7,0%.Conclusion: Our results were consistent with national and regional studies. New strategies should be developed to prevent chronic disease including asthma and diabetes. Oral health is poor and neglected in our region. Preventive care and primary care should have more emphasis.