The Nassau County Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS)?
The BRFSS is a health survey that generates information about health risk behaviors, clinical preventive practices, and health care access and use primarily related to chronic diseases and injury. This is the first-ever BRFSS conducted in Nassau County.

How is the survey conducted?
Professional health interviewers from ORC Macro will conduct the survey. Telephone numbers will be picked randomly by a computer and are not from a phone book, so unlisted numbers may still be called. The telephone calls will be made primarily during evening hours, and may occur on weekends. The interviewer will ask to speak to an adult, 18 years or older, in the house. If your telephone number is selected and you are called at an inconvenient time, you may ask the interviewer to call you back at a more convenient time.

What type of information does the BRFSS collect?
How often is it collected? BRFSS interviewers ask questions related to behaviors that are associated with preventable chronic diseases, injuries, and infectious diseases. NCDOH uses standard procedures to collect data through these telephone interviews. NCDOH will repeat these surveys in future years to monitor changes in disease patterns over time, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the public health programs.

What is done with this information?
Have you ever been watching the evening news and heard a news reporter say, “the CDC reports that a number of people do (something), which is bad for their health?" This survey enables them to get that information. Nassau County and New York State health departments and National health organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association also use BRFSS information to plan and target their health initiatives. BRFSS may be used to identify emerging health problems; establish and track health objectives; develop, implement, and evaluate a broad array of disease prevention activities; and support health-related legislative efforts. Answers are kept strictly confidential and no personal information, such as names and addresses will be recorded.

Who takes part in the BRFSS survey?
Are they compensated? Adults 18 years or older are asked to take part in the anonymous confidential survey. Only one adult is interviewed per household. Participants are not compensated. Responses to the questions help shape public health policy in towns, states, and the nation. Another reward for participating is the knowledge that these efforts will help America be healthier.

How are telephone numbers obtained? My phone number is unlisted.
Telephone numbers are picked randomly by a computer and are not from a phone book, so unlisted numbers may still be called as a matter of chance. All kinds of numbers can be called: fire stations, real estate offices, pay phones, etc.

Why should I participate?
This data will be used to improve health programs and prevent diseases. Participating is one way for your views to be represented. The information is used for planning purposes and to develop more effective health programs. The more people we have participating, the more accurate the results will be.

I don’t do surveys over the phone. Can it be put in the mail?
This survey can only be conducted over the phone. This is the most efficient, representative, and thorough method of gathering this information. Many people like yourself have participated in this survey, and many find it interesting. You can refuse to answer specific questions

I don’t have anything to do with public programs. I get my health care from my private doctor/ HMO/ military.
All health care providers, public or private, can use the information to improve services, give better advice, and plan better programs.

How and when can I get a copy of the survey results?
Results of the NCBRFSS will be released early next year and will be widely disseminated to government agencies, elected officials, universities, health care and community organizations, as well as any interested county resident. Results will also be posted on the Department of Health website.

How can I get more information?
More information is available at www.nassaucountyny.gov/health or you can call the Department of Health at 516-571-2500 during regular business hours.