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Using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for exposure tracking: experiences from Washington State
Denise M Laflamme1, James A Vanderslice
1Office of Environmental Health Assessments, Washington State Department of Health, 7171 Cleanwater Lane, PO Box 47846, Olympia, WA 98504-7846, USA. denise.laflamme@doh.wa.gov
Environmental Health Perspectives
|October 9, 2004
Summary
Tracking population exposures is crucial for understanding environmental health. Washington State
Area of Science:
- Environmental health
- Public health surveillance
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Linking environmental data with chronic disease data is essential for identifying environmental determinants of disease.
- Population exposure information is vital for these efforts, yet few systems exist for tracking it.
- Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) offers a platform for tracking exposure-related behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for collecting data on environmentally related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
- To present case studies on drinking water, environmental risk perception, and radon awareness modules within the BRFSS.
- To evaluate the usefulness of collected behavioral data for population exposure assessments and program evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Washington State's BRFSS data collection on environmentally relevant behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes.
- Focused on specific modules: drinking water, perceptions of environmental risk, and radon awareness/testing.
- Analyzed the data for its application in exposure assessments and program evaluation.
Main Results:
- Data on exposure-related behaviors proved valuable for population exposure assessments and program evaluation.
- Questions on knowledge and attitudes regarding environmental issues lacked sufficient detail for modifying educational efforts.
- Some collected data on knowledge and attitudes were underutilized due to an unclear need or insufficient detail.
Conclusions:
- Exposure-related behavioral data collected via BRFSS is useful for public health surveillance.
- Future national efforts should prioritize developing and compiling standardized questions for BRFSS on key environmental health topics.
- Focus should be on creating core questions and optional modules addressing high-priority state and national concerns.