About BRFSS

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is the largest health-related survey in the United States that collects data in each state related to health risks, behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services. For more than 40 years the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has worked with state health departments to conduct the phone-based survey.

In Southern Nevada, the BRFSS survey is conducted by the UNLV School of Public Health. A standardized core questionnaire, optional modules, and state-added questions are used during the interview process. The survey is conducted using Random Digit Dialing (RDD) techniques on both landlines and cell phones.

The information collected from the survey is used to track state and local health objectives, plan health programs, implement disease prevention and health promotion activities, and monitor trends. Data is used to support health-related legislative efforts.

Who Can Take Part in the Survey?

Adults 18 years or older are asked to take part in the survey. Participants' phone numbers are selected at random and they are not monetarily compensated.

What Should I Expect if I Get Called?

The survey usually takes around 20-minutes to complete. If you receive the call at an inconvenient time, you can ask the interviewer to call you back. The more people that participate in the survey, the more accurate the data will be.