Virginia BRFSS Data

Data requests

The Virginia BRFSS data are a public use data set.   There are several kinds of BRFSS data that are available to students, researchers, and staff from public and private agencies.  BRFSS data have been used for program planning and evaluation, grant applications, policy discussions and decision-making, and for surveillance purposes. 

Individuals requesting specific analyses or raw data should complete a data request form and individuals requesting raw BRFSS data files must complete both the data request form and the data use disclaimer form.  Both of these forms can be found below.

The Virginia BRFSS Coordinator is available to run specific analyses that you request.   Complete a data request form specifying what data variables you need data for and the year.

Internal Review Board for Researchers
Virginia BRFSS obtained for the purposes of research must be submitted through the VDH Internal Review Board (IRB).  http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/healthpolicy/policyanalysis/irb.htm

Data request form
Data use disclaimer form

Requests should be submitted via email to BRFSSrequests@vdh.virginia.gov.

Data analysis
BRFSS data are analyzed by a variety of individuals including students, researchers, profit and non-profit agencies and state agency staff.  Virginia Department of Health staff including OFHS epidemiologists focus on particular health issues and diseases and analyze BRFSS data extensively.

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).

How we use BRFSS data
The BRFSS survey is an excellent source of surveillance data for public health programs addressing the leading causes of death in the Commonwealth. These data are a recognized part of the data infrastructure of the state health department. The role of assessment, assurance and policy development remains critical to the functioning of the state health department. In VDH, BRFSS data are used in programs addressing breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer prevention, diabetes, COPD, asthma, tobacco use prevention, promotion of physical activity, nutrition education addressing reduction of dietary fat, increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, and intake of folic acid and vitamins, oral health and injury and violence prevention.

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