Which resource should a community health nurse use to find data about health behaviors related to smoking and exercise in their local area?

The County Health Rankings represent an ideal resource for a community health nurse seeking data on local health behaviors, such as smoking and exercise. This resource provides specific information at the county level, highlighting health outcomes and factors that contribute to these outcomes, which can include health behaviors. By offering a localized perspective, County Health Rankings enable health professionals to identify trends, allocate resources effectively, and develop targeted interventions tailored to the unique health needs and behaviors of the community residents.

While the other resources mentioned serve important purposes, they do not offer the same level of localized detail that the County Health Rankings provide. State Health Department Reports may include broader statistics but may lack the specific insights needed for a particular county. Census Data primarily focuses on demographic information rather than specific health behaviors, while National Health Surveys typically report on data collected nationally or regionally, which might not accurately reflect local behaviors. Therefore, utilizing County Health Rankings equips community health nurses with actionable insights relevant to their specific areas of service.