The BRFSS is the world’s largest telephone survey, the goal of which is to track state-specific behavioral health risks in the United States. Information from the survey is used to improve preventative health practices for chronic diseases, injuries, and preventive infectious diseases.
Years Available: 1984-2005
Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria: Civilian, non-institutionalized population age 18 years and older
Methods: Survey is conducted monthly in each state during a two week period. In 1984 all states conducted interviews using a paper questionnaire. By 1995, 7 states still used paper questionnaires, but most used a computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CAT1) software program.
Sampling Design: Adult respondents are selected randomly from households with telephones. In most states, the sample is selected using a multistage cluster design procedure based on the Waksberg method.
Sample Size: Ranges from 12,258 to 66,536
Unit of Observation: Individual
Limitations: Statistical issues, telephone interview limitations, self report bias.
Data Format: ASCII/SAS
Publisher: CDC
URL: http://www.cdc.gov/BRFSS/
Variables:
Codebook of Risk Factors Included in Survey