Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS)
What is RRFSS?
The Haldimand-Norfolk Health unit is interviewing adults 18 years of age and over about behaviours associated with the major causes of death and disability. These on-going monthly surveys are undertaken through the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS). Participants will be asked questions about alcohol use, injuries, parenting, chronic diseases, flu immunization, body mass index, emergency preparedness, nutrition, media use, sun safety, tobacco use, pap smears, safe water, general health and more.
What is the goal?
The major goal of RRFSS is to provide timely, useful data for planning, monitoring, implementing and evaluating local public health programs and services. We need to learn more about the behaviours of Haldimand’s and Norfolk’s adult populations so that health promotion and disease prevention programs can be effectively implemented.
What’s in it for me?
RRFSS data will be used to improve programs and services for the residents of Haldimand and Norfolk.
Why is this survey needed?
Current survey data is not current enough to be relevant for planning, implementing and evaluating public health programs. One of the major benefits of RRFSS is that its data will be available to participating health units within weeks of being collected.
This survey is based on one in use in the United States since 1984 called the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System. The Ontario version, RRFSS, was successfully piloted in Durham Region in1999.
How did you get my telephone number?
Scientific procedures were used to select a random sample of telephone numbers within Haldimand and Norfolk. A computer program generated all of the telephone numbers.
Who will be interviewing me?
On behalf of the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, the Institute for Social Research at York University may phone you and ask you to participate in this survey. The Institute for Social Research was chosen because of its expertise in conducting similar telephone surveys. The Institute of Social Research at York University will be sending potential participants an introductory letter one week before data collection.
Who will see this information?
After the survey information is collected, the data will be sent to the Health Unit. The results will be analyzed and used by the Health Unit to plan programs and activities directly related to the health problems identified by this survey. The survey results will be published on our web site at www.hnhu.org. In no way will the published results identify any person.
How do I know the survey is legitimate?
If you receive a call and you want to verify that this is a legitimate survey, contact the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit at Ext. 3215 at either 519-426-6170 or 905-318-6623.
How long will it take me to answer all of the questions?
The survey will take about 20 minutes to complete. If an interviewer calls and you don't have the time available, an appointment can be made for a day and time that is more convenient for you.
What if I don't feel comfortable answering a question?
If you don't wish to answer a question, let the interviewer know and he or she will go to the next question. You may refuse to answer any questions.
RRFSS Fact Sheet
RRFSS News Release
|
