United States Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 1989

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a system of telephone surveys that collect data about US residents regarding health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services. The CDC started the BRFSS in 1984 in 15 states. BRFSS now collects data in all states as well as some territories (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam). The questions vary over the years but generally included the following topics: high blood pressure, alcohol and tobacco consumption, diet, exercise, home safety, seat belt use, health care use, screening for colorectal and breast cancers, and sexual behaviors. The focus is on actual behaviors, rather than knowledge or attitudes. BRFSS conducts over 400,000 interviews every year.