Delaware BRFS:
Changing To Meet New Challenges

Technological and cultural changes are posing significant challenges to telephone survey research. One of the most significant challenges of the past decade has been the rapid increase in households in which telephone service is primarily or only by cell phones.

Starting with reporting of our 2011 data, the BRFS became a multi-mode survey to obtain a more representative sample of Delaware's adult population. Up to 70 percent of interviews are on cell phones, but we maintain a small landline phone sample. The BRFS is now also using a new method for weighting data that more accurately reflects the actual population of each state.

Trend lines for many data points were broken in 2011, and 2011 data became the new baseline for analyses. The result has been improved scientific validity of BRFS data. These and future improvements will ensure that the BRFSS continues to be the leading source of essential behavioral data for public health planning, program development, education, and evaluation.

More Information About Changes in Data Weighting

Flyer describing the improvements to BRFSS System, beginning with 2011 data. [PDF]
Public fact sheet about the changes in weighting, called "raking weights," from CDC. [PDF]
CDC background paper on understanding raking weights, for data analysts. [PDF]

Return to the main Delaware BRFSS page.

Delaware BRFS:
Changing To Meet New Challenges

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More Information About Changes in Data Weighting

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