Data from the STEPS Survey are used for analyzing the impact of chronic disease risk factors in our community. Image from gov.bm
Islanders are being encouraged to participate in a survey billed as a health check on the population.
‘The STEPS to a Well Bermuda’ survey is being conducted by government, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization.
Launched a decade ago, the STEPS survey is designed to assess the prevalence of chronic disease risk factors within Bermuda’s population.
Approximately 2,500 households from across the island have been randomly selected to participate. Interviewers are already out in the field gathering information, from those aged 18 and over.
The three parts of the survey consist of a questionnaire about health-related behaviors, including diet and physical activity; measurements of blood pressure, weight, height, and waist circumference – and a finger stick blood sample to measure fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels. All information collected is confidential and anonymous.
There is no legal obligation to complete the STEPS survey. However, the Department of Health relies on its results for key data, which are used “for analyzing the impact of chronic disease risk factors in our community and creating new policy for chronic disease management”.
Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, says the survey is crucial to our understanding of the health of our community and how to improve it. She added:
“By participating, you’re helping to build a solid foundation for addressing key health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, and shaping our approach to prevention and care.”
Dr. Annabel Fountain, a Bermudian physician who specialises in diabetes, endocrinology and internal medicine, said: “Without data, we are unable to understand the impact of interventions to improve the health of our community. Since the first STEPS survey was completed in 2014, the Government of Bermuda introduced the Sugar Tax.
“We hope that this, along with other initiatives such as the Healthy Schools programme, and the Bermuda Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Reversal and Diabetes Prevention programmes, will have contributed to reduced rates of obesity and diabetes in our population.
“The only way to know is to do these population health surveys regularly. The results will be used to shape future healthcare policies aimed at improving Bermuda’s overall health and well-being.”
For more information about the STEPS Survey, visit: https://www.gov.bm/steps-bermuda call 278-4900 or email steps@gov.bm
