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Survey Information

• Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
• Alaska Supplemental BRFSS Survey

Health Survey Lab

The Survey Lab works to gather accurate, reliable, confidential health information on Alaskan adults. Using a computer aided telephone system; trained interviewers follow a standardized questionnaire which asks adults questions about lifestyle habits which may shape their health. Some habits include diet, exercise, and smoking. If you are called by the survey lab and do not wish to take the survey or do not wish to answer a particular question, you do not have to.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services currently carries out two surveys through the Survey Lab, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (the Standard BRFSS) as well as a state, tobacco-focused BRFSS-like survey (the Supplemental BRFSS). The Standard BRFSS was first conducted in Alaska in 1991 in cooperation with the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The BRFSS is now implemented in all 50 states and some territories as part of a continuing data collection system. This information is used to measure progress towards state (Healthy Alaskans 2010) and national (Healthy People 2010) health goals. The supplemental BRFSS is very similar to the BRFSS in that it measures lifestyle and behavioral factors; however it was also designed to also collect detailed information on tobacco use, knowledge and attitudes.

The Survey Lab uses a random telephone sample to collect health data on a sample of Alaskan adults. The Lab conducts around 5,000 interviews per year from two surveys, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) and the Supplemental BRFSS (previously called the Modified BRFSS). After data is collected and analyzed, it is provided to health professionals, researchers and organizations. This information is used to improve programs and policies for chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease in Alaska.

• January 15th press release

Health Risk Statistics in Alaska - 2009 BRFSS Annual Report:

• 2009 Full Report (*note: this is a large 9mb pdf document made up of complex graphs and tables. If you have trouble downloading the report please contact the BRFSS Coordinator).
• 2009 Highlights

For additional information, please contact:

Rebecca W. Topol
Health Survey Lab
Division of Public Health
Department of Health and Social Services
P.O. Box 110614
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0614
(907) 465-8540
surveylab@alaska.gov