Funding to support the Ohio Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System - Ohio Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Ohio Department of Health CDC-RFA-DP-24-0023 Project Abstract Summary The Ohio Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is a primary source of prevalence data regarding health status, chronic diseases, injuries, risk behaviors, and social determinants of health among Ohio adults aged 18 and older. The Ohio BRFSS program, established in 1984 at the Ohio Department of Health, has successfully collected, analyzed, and disseminated BRFSS data for 40 years to identify high-risk and disparate subpopulations, develop successful public health programs and interventions, monitor progress and trends, and evaluate public health efforts so that rates of disease, death, and disability among Ohioans can be reduced. While all Ohioans are at risk of developing a disease or suffering an injury, certain populations are disproportionately affected. Similar to national trends, Ohio BRFSS data for 2022 show high rates of heart disease, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes among males, Black Ohioans, those in older age groups, residents of Appalachian and other rural counties, those with the lowest income and education, and those with disabilities. Similarly, disparities in associated health behaviors (e.g., lack of physical activity, overweight/obesity, insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption, tobacco use) were identified among these same populations. The purpose of Ohio’s application to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding opportunity CDC-RFA-DP-24-0023 is to develop a surveillance plan that describes Ohio’s questionnaire development process, data collection procedures, sample design, weighting, and use of BRFSS data; build community partnerships with members of their selected focus populations, Black Ohioans and those with low income and/or living in Appalachian communities; and conduct outreach and education through the development of publications and social media posts, particularly addressing underrepresented communities. The strategies and activities in Ohio’s BRFSS work plan are designed to meet the following outcomes during the five-year project period: Short-term outcomes: Increased monitoring of health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services; more timely access to BRFSS data for local areas; increased knowledge and awareness of BRFSS data among underrepresented communities; and expanded communication and marketing campaigns with underrepresented communities’ partners or advisory groups related to accessing the data. Intermediate outcomes: Improved use of BRFSS data to guide public health actions and policies that promote healthy lifestyles among all population groups; greater sharing and use of data among partners who promote health equity within underrepresented communities; and improved sharing and use of BRFSS data among traditional advocates. Long-term outcomes: Enhanced health-focused policies at the local, state, and federal levels, with special attention towards underrepresented communities; and enhanced policies at local, state, and federal levels aimed to boost health outcomes. Ohio BRFSS data at the state and local levels will be used to guide health interventions and support policy changes so that health disparities can be reduced to achieve health equity.
