A Comparison of National Estimates from the National Health Interview Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Overview

Journal Am J Public Health

Specialty Public Health

Date 2003 Aug 2

PMID 12893624

Citations 139

Authors

David E Nelson

Eve Powell-Griner

Machell Town

Mary Grace Kovar

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare national estimates from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

Methods: The authors compared data from the 2 surveys on smoking, height, weight, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, immunization, lack of insurance coverage, cost as a barrier to medical care, and health status.

Results: Overall national estimates were similar for 13 of the 14 measures examined. Small differences according to demographic characteristics were found for height and body mass index, with larger differences for health status.

Conclusions: Although estimates differed within subgroups, the BRFSS provided national estimates comparable to those of the NHIS. BRFSS national data could provide rapidly available information to guide national policy and program decisions.

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