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Beginning this week, Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit will survey area residents each month to help identify prevailing health issues in the Municipality. Since 2000, various public health units have participated in this survey, known as the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS). The purpose of this system is to provide timely data relevant to local public health needs. RRFSS is used to monitor key public health issues and results are used to support program planning and evaluation, to advocate for public policy development, and to improve community awareness regarding the risks for chronic and infectious diseases and injuries.

Each month, this survey will provide information about the health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the residents of Chatham-Kent. Too often, we need to rely on higher-level provincial and national health surveys that may not explain the unique needs of our local population and are often not available in a timely manner. The RRFSS also offers an opportunity to gain information in certain areas where previously there has been no data available.

For the remainder of 2010 and throughout 2011, 100 Chatham-Kent residents over the age of 18 will be randomly selected to participate in this telephone survey each month. Questions asked will cover lifestyle behaviours, attitudes and awareness related to health and the health of their families. This will include questions about smoking, healthy eating, physical activity, alcohol use, immunization, injury prevention, sun safety, and health care service use. The information gained from this system will be used to measure the effectiveness of our programs, to determine local needs and health issues, and to track changes in the health of Chatham-Kent residents over time.

While this survey will collect various socio-demographic characteristics (eg. date of birth, marital status and education), respondents will NOT be solicited for sensitive information such as health card, driver’s license or social insurance numbers.