Prevention. Promotion. Protection.

Alaska's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Program Overview

The lifestyle choices we make on a daily basis play a vital role in shaping our health status and lifespan.  While heredity and environment play a part, the leading causes of death in Alaska (heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries) are closely related to behaviors and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, tobacco and alcohol use, as well as preventive health practices.  Changes in lifestyle could prevent diseases as well as premature deaths.

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services first implemented the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 1990.  Working with the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the system gathers information about the health related lifestyle choices of Alaskan adults.  With this knowledge, we can better plan and evaluate health promotion programs to prevent chronic disease and premature death.  Today, the BRFSS is implemented in all 50 states as part of an ongoing data collection system.  Each year, results are analyzed to improve our understanding of health habits and measure progress towards health objectives at the state and national level.

Related Links

For more information contact the BRFSS Coordinator surveylab@alaska.gov