Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a telephone health survey that is conducted by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with state health departments. The purpose of the BRFSS is to determine the prevalence of health risk behaviors (e.g., alcohol use, tobacco use, obesity) and protective health practices (e.g., using seat belts, routine screenings for cancer) among noninstitutionalized adults age 18 and over, which are related to the onset of chronic illness and injury. The morbidity (prevalence or incidence) and mortality (causing death) of diseases vary widely by geographic area and demographic constituency. Therefore, the survey is stratified by state to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the distribution of health behaviors and statuses across regions. State-level data can ...