Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System BRFSS Turning

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 1980 s 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: http: //www. cdc. gov/brfss

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 Limited in Activities Needs Special Equipment Not 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 512 -458 -7111 x 6593 jimmy. blanton@tdh. state. tx. us Program Websites: www. tdh. state. tx. us/chronicd/default. htm www. cdc. gov/brfss