Which system collects data on behaviors that increase risk for chronic disease and reports to the National Center for Health Statistics?

Which system collects data on behaviors that increase risk for chronic disease and reports to the National Center for Health Statistics?

• A. BRFSS
• B. CMS
• C. Commissioned Corps
• D. Vital Statistics

Answer: (A)

Understanding health behavior surveillance helps explain why the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is the best fit. This system is a state-based, telephone survey that collects data on health risk behaviors linked to chronic diseases—things like smoking, physical activity, diet, alcohol use, and preventive health practices. It provides both state and national estimates and is a key source for monitoring trends over time to guide public health actions. Data from this system are reported to the National Center for Health Statistics, which aggregates and analyzes health statistics at the national level. The other options aren’t focused on collecting these kinds of behavioral risk data: CMS handles Medicare and Medicaid program administration; the Commissioned Corps is a personnel arm of the Public Health Service; and Vital Statistics primarily collects data on births and deaths.

Understanding health behavior surveillance helps explain why the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is the best fit. This system is a state-based, telephone survey that collects data on health risk behaviors linked to chronic diseases—things like smoking, physical activity, diet, alcohol use, and preventive health practices. It provides both state and national estimates and is a key source for monitoring trends over time to guide public health actions. Data from this system are reported to the National Center for Health Statistics, which aggregates and analyzes health statistics at the national level.

The other options aren’t focused on collecting these kinds of behavioral risk data: CMS handles Medicare and Medicaid program administration; the Commissioned Corps is a personnel arm of the Public Health Service; and Vital Statistics primarily collects data on births and deaths.