Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)

The most comprehensive state-wide data set for understanding adult health status in the United States comes from the CDC-sponsored Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The BRFSS is a telephone-administered survey conducted each year in all 50 states. Although the BRFSS data in North Dakota provides a representative total population estimate of the prevalence of behavioral health risk factors for North Dakotans, Native American health status usually cannot be determined. Therefore, between February 2004 and December 2004 we conducted a Native-American specific survey using the BRFSS in face-to-face interviews in four American Indian Communities located in the northern plains of the U.S. As part of this assessment, 100 face-to-face BRFSS interviews were conducted with community members in each the four communities (400 interviews total). Interviewers from the community were trained by our project leaders to conduct the interviews, and all interviewees received a gift certificate for their participation. After completion of the survey, health status data were analyzed and CHPPR provided pertinent reports to appropriate tribal and state agencies about the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and health problems in North Dakota's Native American citizens.

Respondents showed a significantly greater prevalence of diabetes, smoking, obesity and heavy alcohol use than either regional (North Dakota) or national (United States) samples. They also reported being less likely to engage in leisure time physical activity and to have had age-appropriate preventive screenings for several diseases.

For more information about the results of this project, see:

Holm, J.E., Vogeltanz-Holm, N., Poltavski, D., & McDonald, L. (in press). Assessing health status, behavioral risks, and health disparities in American Indians Living on the Northern Plains of the U.S., Public Health Reports.