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2009 BRFSS Survey for Williamson County, Texas
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is the world’s
largest, on-going telephone health survey system, tracking health conditions and
risk behaviors in the United States yearly since 1984. Data are collected
monthly in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, and Guam.
The BRFSS survey is often the only source for prevalence data on chronic
diseases such as diabetes and adult vaccination coverage for influenza and other
vaccines. Information is collected on smoking, exercise and diet, access to
medical care, dental health, quality of life, community/neighborhood, and
emergency preparedness. BRFSS data have helped the Williamson County and Cities
Health District (WCCHD) and its public health partners to prioritize health
issues and identify populations at highest risk, monitor the effectiveness of
intervention strategies, inform the public and policymakers about disease
prevention, and support government and private sector policies that promote
health and prevent disease.
BRFSS survey results have been used to support programs promoting healthy
lifestyles as well community efforts to create environments conducive to health.
WCCHD offers “train-the-trainer” community gardening classes, cooking and
nutrition classes, and introduces children to gardening and the importance of
fresh fruits and vegetables through field trips to the Heritage Community
Gardens in Georgetown. WCCHD promotes local Farmer’s Markets and supplies fresh
fruits and vegetables to these markets through its community gardening program.
As Williamson County continues to grow, WCCHD has worked with community leaders
to ensure adequate space for parks and sidewalks. Williamson County continues to
expand its extensive trail system.
Williamson County is one of only a few counties in Texas that conducts the
BRFSS at the local level. In 1999, the Williamson County and Cities Health
District (WCCHD) implemented its first BRFSS survey. A second BRFSS survey was
conducted in 2004. Reports and data from the 1999 and 2004 surveys are available
on the Statistic and Reports section of the
WCCHD webpage. Information on the national and state BRFSS surveys may be found
at:
WCCHD is currently planning for another BRFSS survey in 2009 in partnership
with Scott & White Memorial Hospital/Foundation and Scott and White Health Plan,
St. David’s Georgetown Hospital, St. David’s Community Health Foundation, Texas
BRFSS, and Southwestern University.
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WCCHD is contracting with the Texas Department of
State Health Services (DSHS) to administer the 2009 survey in conjunction
with the Texas BRFSS. Every year DSHS samples Williamson County residents
for the Texas BRFSS. However, this sample is not large enough to allow
calculation of county-level prevalence rates. This project provides funding
for the additional surveys needed in order to conduct county specific
analysis.
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WCCHD will utilize the same questionnaire as DSHS.
This will ensure direct comparability of BRFSS results at the state and
national levels. This approach differs slightly from the 1999 and 2004
surveys for which WCCHD limited the total number of questions asked and
added questions unique to Williamson County.
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In 2008 – 2009, the WCCHD Epidemiologist will work
with other WCCHD Divisions and community partners to develop a BRFSS data
analysis plan.
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After data becomes available in April 2010, data
analysis will be coordinated with community partners. WCCHD will work with
DSHS to process requests from individuals and organization interested in
conducting research projects with Williamson County BRFSS data.
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Summary report for Williamson County BRFSS will be
published and available online in 2010.
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