SCHS: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

Overview

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a random telephone survey of state residents aged 18 and older in households with telephones. BRFSS was initially developed in the early 1980s by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with state health departments and is currently conducted in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and several United States territories. The North Carolina Division of Public Health has participated in the BRFSS since 1987. Through BRFSS, information is collected in a routine, standardized manner at the state level on a variety of health behaviors and preventive health practices related to the leading causes of death and disability such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and injuries. BRFSS interviews are conducted monthly and data are analyzed annually (on a calendar-year basis).

BRFSS Annual Survey Results

• Survey results from 2000 through present are available on the survey results page. - Updated 10/09/25
• Survey questions are available on the annual questionnaires page.

BRFSS Resources: Related Links

• Visit CDC's BRFSS web site for additional data:
  • Prevalence and Trends Data
  • SMART Local Area Data
  • Datasets and technical information
  • WEAT: Web Enabled Analysis Tool
• NC Youth Risk Behavior Survey (NC Department of Public Instruction) - Results of biennial high school and middle school surveys of health behavior that impact health now and in the future.

• Statistical Services
  • Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
    • BRFSS Survey Results
    • Questionnaires
    • Medicaid Data
    • Functional Disability
    • Urban-Rural Resident Tables
    • Other Data
      • Preconception Health
      • Maternal and Child Health
    • Health Atlas Maps
    • BRFSS Publications
    • Contacts

Last Modified: October 9, 2025