Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) Turning Information Into Health
What We Do Promote the use of objective health information for state and community decision making Decisions at all levels of public health from policy-making to what people do in their everyday lives
What is BRFSS Monitors major health risks at the state, region, and county level All 50 states participate Data gathered from telephone interviews with thousands of adults using standardized methods Largest telephone survey in the world
BRFSS History Created in the early 1980s by CDC Fills need for state level data Expanded to all 50 states and four territories Began continuous operation in Texas in 1987 Focus is shifting to the local level Administered through a state / federal partnership
Federal (CDC) Role Develop, test, and validate survey questions Distribute technical instructions to states and their contractors Provide resources, support, coordination, and training
State Role CDC calls us field operations Tailor survey to meet state and local needs Identify additional funding resources Oversee ongoing collection of data Disseminate data and analytical products Coordinate with stakeholders
Texas BRFSS Overview Only comprehensive statewide system for monitoring health risk factors, health practices, and chronic diseases among adult Texans Stakeholders from all levels of public health Addresses major Texas public health priorities
BRFSS Question Modules Tobacco use Physical activity, nutrition, and obesity Use of preventive health services Major chronic diseases HIV / AIDS Alcohol consumption Access to health care Health related quality of life Demographics
Statewide BRFSS: Scope 150 Questions (80 Core, 70 Optional) 20 – 25 minute interview 500 completed interviews per month
Statewide BRFSS: Timeline February – Input from State Coordinators March/April – Data release from previous year July/August – Release of draft questionnaire October – Survey documentation due to CDC November – Survey finalized December – Contract developed January – Survey goes into the field
Texas BRFSS Resources Base funding from CDC cooperative agreement –Core survey modules –Minimum sample size Funding from stakeholders –Add questions –Increase sample size –State and federal sources Staff Resources –2 FTEs through Preventive Health Block Grant –Center for Health Statistics
Texas BRFSS Products Statewide BRFSS Survey Special point-in-time community surveys Data requests Texas Risk Factor Reports Website:
Overweight / Obesity Rate Among Texas Adults BRFSS, 1990 – 2002 BMI 25 and Over (Overweight) BMI 30 and Over (Obesity)
Current Smoking Among Texas Adults By Age Group BRFSS, 2002
Ever Had a Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy Adults Age 50 and Over BRFSS, 2002
Adults with No Insurance Texas Vs. US BRFSS, 1991 – 2002 Texas US
Women Counseled About Osteoporosis By Age Group Texas Adults, Osteoporosis Survey, 2001
Percentage of Texas Adults Who Always Wear a Seatbelt
Disability Indicators (Age & Gender Adjusted) With vs. Without Arthritis Texas Adults, BRFSS 2003 Needs Special Equipment Limited in ActivitiesNot employed (<65)
Obesity (Body Mass Index BMI >= 30) Potter vs. Randall County BRFSS, 2002
Current Smoking Potter vs. Randall County BRFSS, 2002 Potter & Randall counties differ statistically (P < 0.05)
No Mammogram in Past Two Years Women Age 40 and Older Potter vs. Randall County BRFSS, 2002 Potter & Randall counties differ statistically (P < 0.05)
BRFSS Contact Information Jimmy Blanton, M.P.Aff. Coordinator x6593 Program Websites: