The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
(BRFSS) is the primary source
of state-based information on health risk behaviors among adult populations.
For over 20 years, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) has gathered information from U.S. adults about a wide range of behaviors that affect their health. The primary focus of these surveys has been on behaviors that are linked with the leading causes of death—heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and injury—and other important health issues.
The information collected is used to improve health care for citizens on a national and statewide basis. More specifically, BRFSS data are used:
- To determine priority health issues and develop strategic plans.
- To monitor the effectiveness of intervention measures.
- To examine the achievement of prevention program goals.
- To support appropriate public health policy.
- To educate the public, the health community, and policy makers about disease prevention through the creation of reports, fact sheets, press releases, and other publications.
BRFSS is about people and how to improve and maintain their health. In order to accomplish that goal, valid and reliable data are needed by policy-makers, legislators, researchers, professional organizations, and community-based organizations to create policies, target prevention activities, and establish programs to assist persons in developing healthier lifestyles.
