Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

DESCRIPTION: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an ongoing data collection program developed and conducted to monitor state-level prevalence of the major behavioral risks associated with premature morbidity and mortality among adults. The data includes measures of alcohol consumption, tobacco use and sexual behavior. Information is also collected about chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, respiratory and cardiovascular disease as well as the utilization of health services for example family planning and preventative counseling services.

CODEBOOKS: Questionnaires from 1984 to 2010 are available the BRFSS Web site (http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/questionnaires/questionnaires.htm)

DATA: BRFSS data from 1984 to 2008 are available for download in several formats from the BRFSS Web site (http://www.cdc.gov/brfss/technical_infodata/surveydata.htm). The site also provides interactive databases containing prevalence and trends data for health behavior and health risks for each state in the nation.