On April 15, 2024, the Ministry of Health launched its nationwide STEPS Survey 2024 to gather information from households across Trinidad and Tobago on lifestyle practices.
Overview
The STEPS survey is a World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS) which allows for collecting, analysing and disseminating data on key Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) risk factors in countries. The survey instrument also covers key behavioural risk factors including tobacco use, alcohol use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, as well as key biological risk factors such as obesity, raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and abnormal blood lipids.
The STEPS survey, led by the Ministry’s Non-Communicable Diseases Unit, will be used to monitor this country’s trends as it relates to NCDs, with the objective to inform policy decisions and behavior change communications by the Ministry.
The STEPS survey will start with gathering key information with a questionnaire and then move to simple physical measurements, followed by a dry chemistry method for biochemical analysis.
The steps for the survey are as follows:
Step 1 - Core and Expanded Questions
This will include demographic and behavioral measurements using a questionnarie.
Step 2 - Physical Measurements
This will include physical measurements - height, weight, waist and hip circumference, pulse and blood pressure.
Step 3 - Biochemical Measurements
Participants will be tested for total cholesterol and fasting glucose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I identify the persons conducting the survey?
Field staff will be dressed in high-visibility vests with the Ministry of Health’s and the STEPS survey logos for identification purposes.
Field staff will also have assigned Ministry of Health ID cards.
How long will the survey take to complete?
The survey should take between 30 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete.
- Step 1: 35 to 45 minutes
- Step 2: 20 minutes
- Step 3: 5 minutes
Steps 1 and 2 are expected to be done on the first visit and step 3 will be conducted on the second visit.
The dry chemistry method (step 3) will be used to collect biochemical data which will also be done in participants' homes, by appointment using Step 3 appointment cards, more likely in the mornings where participants have fasted (8 hours) overnight.
How are persons selected for the survey?
One participant is randomly selected from each selected household, the survey will be fully explained using the participant information form.
Is this Survey a Census?
The STEPS survey is not a census.
Will my information be shared with others?
All information collected during this survey will follow strict confidentiality protocols and will not be shared outside of the exercise.
Where can I get more information?
For more information, the public may contact the Non-Communicable Diseases Unit at 217-4664 ext. 16623.
