Behavorial Risk Factor Surveillance System
Personal health behaviors — such as cigarette smoking, excessive drinking, poor eating habits, or lack of exercise — have a major impact on the health of the population and contribute to the leading causes of disease and premature death.
Vermont tracks risk behaviors using a telephone survey of adults called the Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFSS). The results are used to plan, support, and evaluate health promotion and disease prevention programs. These are used to track Healthy Vermonters 2010 goals, and many other BRFSS data reports.
Since 1990, Vermont, along with 49 other states and three territories, has participated in the BRFSS with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC provides the Vermont Department of Health with funding each year to carry out the survey. Currently, Clearwater Research in Boise, Idaho is the interviewing contractor for Vermont.
In 2008, over 6,700 Vermonters were randomly and anonymously selected and called. An adult (18 or older) in the household is asked a uniform set of questions. The results are weighted by age and gender to represent the adult population of the state.
BRFSS dynamic data maps using Instant Atlas
Instant Atlas is available to the public for use and comment. One can select BRFSS data and see the results displayed on maps of Vermont, showing either county, district offices areas or hospital service areas. The data are from the 1998 through 2008 BRFSS surveys. Please take a look and give it a try making your own reports using Instant Atlas. Feel free to tell us what you think.
Contact
For information about the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, please contact:
Rod McCormick, Ph.D.
Program Coordinator
Telephone: 802-863-7663
E-mail: rmccorm@vdh.state.vt.us