Explore Behavioral Health Data in Tucson, Arizona MSA
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Number of Poor Mental Health Days per Month (2022)
In 2022, those living in the Tucson Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) reported 5.9 poor mental health days each month. That was up by nearly a full day from 2021. Tucson ranked last among peers, tied with El Paso. The U.S. overall reported the lowest number of poor mental health days at 5.1. Denver and San Diego ranked first among peer metropolitan areas with 5.2 poor mental health days reported by their residents.
Why is it important?
Behavioral health, just like physical activity, is a key part of a person’s well-being. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), behavioral health problems include substance use disorders; alcohol and drug addiction; and serious psychological distress, suicide, and mental disorders. Further, SAMHSA states that behavioral health also describes service systems that encompass prevention and promotion of emotional health; prevention of mental and substance use disorders; treatments and services for mental and substance use disorders; and recovery support.
Behavioral health conditions can affect an individual’s health, longevity, and productivity. Behavioral health conditions not only impact the individual who struggles with them daily, but also our local community. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality cites a cost of $57.5 billion in 2006 for mental health care in the U.S. However, much of this cost comes in the loss of income due to unemployment, expenses for social supports, and a range of indirect costs due to chronic disability.
The impact of behavioral health conditions on one’s health and longevity can be profound. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) excessive alcohol use is responsible for 88,000 deaths each year, while nearly half a million Americans die prematurely from smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke. Additionally, in 2016 the CDC found that another 16 million individuals live with a serious illness caused by smoking.
How do we compare?
In 2023, 17.3% of Tucson adults reported frequent mental distress, defined as experiencing 14 or more days during the past 30 days when their mental health, including stress, depression, and problems with emotions, was not good. Tucson ranked near the middle among peer western metros. Phoenix reported the lowest rate at 15.5%, while Las Vegas reported the highest at 19.4%.
Depression rates varied widely across the western states in 2023. Residents living in California reported the lowest rate of depression at 17.0% and those in Utah reported the highest at 26.0%. Arizona had the second-lowest rate of depression among the 10 western states at 18.0%. Arizona’s reported rate of depression was also lower than the national rate of 22.0%.In 2023, 15.8% of Tucson’s adult population reported binge drinking. Binge drinkers are defined as males having five or more drinks on one occasion and females having four or more drinks on one occasion. Tucson’s binge drinking rate was nearly equal to the national rate of 15.2% and nearly identical to Arizona’s rate of 15.9%. Among peer western metros, Denver reported the highest rate at 20.3%, followed by Austin at 18.1%. Tucson’s rate was lower than several peer metros. To view the MSA data visit the Behavioral Health Comparison Page.
What are the key trends?
The percent of the population that reported smoking declined substantially between 2011 and 2015 in Tucson, Arizona, and the U.S. Tucson’s smoking rate increased between 2015 and 2018 but generally trended downward thereafter. By 2023, Tucson reported its lowest smoking rate in more than a decade. Arizona and the U.S. also recorded their lowest smoking rates during the period, at 10.1% and 12.1%, respectively.
How is it measured?
All data reported originates from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is a health-related telephone survey that collects state data about U.S. residents regarding their health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventative services. The BRFSS data presented is collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the County Health Rankings.
