Explain what the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) is and why it's used

Answer 1

As the name implies, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey assesses behaviors, preventive health practices and health care access related to chronic disease and injury. State health departments collaborate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to operate the state-based surveillance system. This survey is unique in that it generates state-level data; most state behavioral comparisons use data from the BRFSS. Comparisons can also be made between metropolitan areas within the states. Piloted in 1984 and nationally adopted in 1993, the BRFSS is the largest telephone survey in the world. Data are collected monthly in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Palau, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. In 2011, more than half a million (506,000 ) interviews were conducted. The questionnaire has three parts: the core components with rotating and emerging questions, optional modules, and state-added questions. The core consists of a series of set questions across 16 to 18 content areas. There is a core set of questions on demographics, health status, and select health behaviors (tobacco, alcohol, exercise, seat belt use, and HIV/AIDS). There are also two sets of questions that alternate each year.?