Behavioral Risk Factor

Surveillance System (BRFSS) Data

An annual telephone survey known as the BRFSS gathers information on new
concerns for public health, medical conditions, risk factors, and habits. The
Department of Public Health's Population Health Information Tool includes these data
(PHIT)

Estimates of the proportion of the adult population reporting each

result can be derived from this data. Health inequalities can be
identified using estimates that are available generally as well as by
sex, age group, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment. All data
gathered by the BRFSS are based on respondents' self-reports. Self-
reported data is inherently prone to mistake for a number of reasons.

An individual could have trouble recalling recent experiences or the

prevalence of particular habits. Some survey participants could
overstate socially acceptable activities while understating those they
deem less acceptable.

Finally, since the BRFSS only includes a sample of Massachusetts

adults who were chosen at random, some of the differences between
these results and those of other random samples may be just
coincidental.
Additionally, because people who reside in institutions are not
included in the BRFSS, those with the most severe restrictions and
some disabilities are not represented in this sample.
Additionally, the BRFSS approach prohibits anybody from helping
respondents complete the interview if the chosen adult has trouble
doing so due to an intellectual or developmental handicap, for
example.