BRFSS Data

Medium

Core Variable Reports:

This report provides prevalence estimates for each of the core questions on the questionnaire. This report is created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is organized by the same topic headings that are used on the survey questionnaire. Select a year to view the full core variable reports.

The core component of the questionnaire consists of the fixed core, rotating core and emerging core. The fixed core is a standard set of questions asked by all states. All health departments must ask the core component questions without modification in wording. The rotating core is made up of two distinct sets of questions each asked in alternating years by all states and addressing different topics. The emerging core is a set of up to five questions that are added to the fixed and rotating cores. Emerging core questions typically focus on issues of a "late breaking" nature. 

Calculated Variable Reports:

This report provides prevalence estimates for a set of calculated variables generated from the core questions on the questionnaire. This report is created by the CDC and is organized by the same topic headings that are used on the survey questionnaire. Select a year to view the full calculated variable reports.

Variables included in this report may use a combination of more than one core questions together during analysis to generate a new variable or "calculated variable," for example, current smokers. Calculated variables also may be generated from a single core question that divides the potential response categories into particular demographic groups or fewer response categories, for example, good/better health versus fair/poor health.

Module Reports:

This report provides prevalence estimates for each of the optional modules on the questionnaire. This report is created by the CDC and is organized by the same optional module headings that are used on the survey questionnaire. Select a year to view the full module reports.

Optional CDC modules are sets of questions on specific topics (e.g., smokeless tobacco) that states elect to use on their questionnaires. Although the modules are optional, CDC standards require that if the modules are used, they must be used without modification if they are to be analyzed by CDC and compared to the nation.

Codebook:

This document is created by CDC and provides the variable names, the location of the variables in the data set, the associated question and the possible response categories, the frequency of response values, and the unweighted and weighted percentages for all the response values for each question. Select a year to view the codebook.

State-Added Question Reports:

This report provides prevalence estimates for each of the state-added questions on the questionnaire. This report is created by the North Dakota BRFSS program director and is organized by the same state-added module headings that are used on the survey questionnaire. Select a year to view the full state-added question report.

CDC Data Links: 

How We Use BRFSS Data:

BRFSS information is used to identify emerging health problems; assess risk for chronic diseases, some infectious diseases and injuries; identify demographic differences and trends in health-related behaviors; establish and track health objectives; develop, implement and evaluate a broad array of disease prevention activities; and support health-related legislative efforts.

Data from each individual surveyed are combined to determine the health practices of North Dakotans. North Dakota data also are combined with other states’ data to provide national estimates of health behaviors. BRFSS data are analyzed by a variety of individuals including students, researchers, profit and non-profit agencies and state agency staff. North Dakota Department of Health epidemiologists focus on particular health issues and diseases and analyze BRFSS data extensively.

There is no charge to use BRFSS data. The BRFSS program director also can provide technical assistance for those interested in conducting their own data analysis. It is recommended that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to their use of BRFSS data and that analysis software equipped to handle complex sample designs be used to accurately analyze the data (i.e. SUDAAN, STRATA or SPSS complex samples module). 

Suggested Citation:

BRFSS data provided on this website are in the public domain and may be used without further permission. However, if you use or publish any of this data, please give credit to the North Dakota BRFSS.
The suggested citation is:

Data Source: North Dakota Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (ND BRFSS), [year(s) of the study].

If you publish North Dakota BRFSS data in any brochure, newsletter or other publication, we would appreciate receiving a copy of the publication. Send copies to:

North Dakota BRFSS
North Dakota Department of Health
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301
Bismarck, ND 58505-0200

Contact Us

Please contact the BRFSS Program Director for assistance if you have any questions about the data, its meaning or interpretation.

If you have any questions or requests for information, please contact:

BRFSS Program Director

North Dakota Department of Health
Community Health Section
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301
Bismarck, N.D. 58505-0200

Phone: (701) 328-2367
Fax: (701) 328-2036
Toll-free: 1.855.NDBRFSS (632.7377)
E-mail: brfssnd@nd.gov