BRFSS stands for Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. What is its purpose in public health planning?

• A. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; telephone survey collects health risk data to guide programs and policy
• B. Behavioral Risk Factor Survey System; telephone questionnaire collects health risk data to guide programs and policy
• C. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; in-person interview collects health risk data to guide programs and policy
• D. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; telephone survey collects disease incidence data to guide policy

Answer: (A)

BRFSS is a state-based surveillance system that uses telephone interviews to collect information on health risk behaviors, preventive practices, and access to care. The purpose is to provide timely data that public health officials use to plan and prioritize programs and policies, track trends, and allocate resources. It focuses on behavioral risk factors and health status rather than disease incidence and relies on phone surveys rather than in-person interviews, making the description of a telephone survey that collects health risk data to guide programs and policy the best fit.