A comparison of national estimates from the National Health Interview Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare national estimates from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).


METHODS
The authors compared data from the 2 surveys on smoking, height, weight, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, immunization, lack of insurance coverage, cost as a barrier to medical care, and health status.


RESULTS
Overall national estimates were similar for 13 of the 14 measures examined. Small differences according to demographic characteristics were found for height and body mass index, with larger differences for health status.


CONCLUSIONS
Although estimates differed within subgroups, the BRFSS provided national estimates comparable to those of the NHIS. BRFSS national data could provide rapidly available information to guide national policy and program decisions.
Nelson
David E
DE
Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA. den2@cdc.gov
Powell-Griner
Eve
E
Town
Machell
M
Kovar
Mary Grace
MG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D040343:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D004522:Educational Status; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000600:supply & distribution; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines / Q000600:supply & distribution; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D013689:Telephone; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines