Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about the STEPS to a Well Bermuda Survey:
What is the “STEPS to a Well Bermuda” survey and what is it for?
The STEPS to a Well Bermuda” survey is designed to assess the prevalence of chronic disease risk factors within Bermuda’s population. Using the data from the survey, evidence-based policies and interventions may be created to reduce the burden of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, in our community.
Who is included in this survey?
Approximately 2500 households from across Bermuda have been selected to participate in the STEPS Survey. Persons within the household are eligible to participate if they are 18 years of age and over.
How are households selected to participate?
The Department of Statistics randomly selected a household to be surveyed. It is like a game of chance, bingo for instance. All the households in this area had an equal chance of being selected; it just happened that a “number” was one of those that were drawn at random.
How are individuals in a household selected to participate?
After a household is randomly selected, we enter the demographics of eligible people living in the household into a device. The device applies a method to randomly select one person to participate.
Are selected household members obligated to co-operate?
There is no legal obligation for a chosen participant to complete the STEPS survey. However, the Department of Health relies on the results of the survey for key data, underscoring the importance of the information collected. The data will be used for analyzing the impact of chronic disease risk factors in our community and creating new policy for chronic disease management.
Will chosen participants be invited to complete the survey even if they are healthy?
The aim of the STEPS to a Well Bermuda survey is to assess the health status of the population. It is therefore important for us to survey both individuals that are considered healthy as well as unhealthy. Taking part in the survey is voluntary but it is very important to make sure that the results truly represent the residents of Bermuda. For the survey, only one adult in each selected household will be asked to answer the questions but if a household is chosen and does not participate, it cannot be replaced.
What benefits are there to a household if they participate?
The selected household member will receive a health screening at no cost. This includes physical measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, and waist circumference) and biochemical assessments (fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol). Also, their participation contributes to the safeguarding of a Well Bermuda for the future.
How long will the survey take?
STEPS 1 and 2 can take up to an hour to complete depending on participant responses. It can take longer if there are unforeseen interruptions that participants may have to attend to or how much detailed information you provide. If STEPS 1 and 2 cannot be completed in one sitting, we can arrange to visit again at the household member’s convenience.
Should single-occupant households be included in the survey?
Yes, single-person households are an important part of the Bermuda society. If these households were excluded from the survey, then it would not be representative of Bermuda’s make-up and the results would be biased in favour of all other types of households.
Why are there questions such as age, sex, education, etc.?
These demographic characteristics help us to determine how representative the sample is of Bermuda’s total population. Secondly, it allows users of the information to see how the results vary for different groups or segments of the population.
Is the information collected confidential?
The survey is confidential. A participant’s name and personal information will not be used, only the data collected. The interviewers have been trained to conduct the survey in a private, professional, and confidential manner.
Will the surveyed participant receive feedback?
After physical and biochemical assessments are conducted, the participant will receive a Participant Feedback Form which they can take with them to their next visit to a health care provider to discuss.
What if the participant’s results are abnormal?
They will be given information on the normal limits of tests performed. We encourage them to follow up with their healthcare provider if they are concerned about any results, particularly if they are in the higher limits of normal. Please remember that survey results do not intend to replace or infer any physician diagnosis.
How will participants remember everything they have to do?
Every selected participant will be given written information and instructions throughout the process.
How can members of the public apply to become a STEPS interviewer?
Interviewers will be assigned to visit a list of households to conduct face-to-face interviews, requiring around 10-12 hours of evening and weekend work per week over 12 weeks.
Payment is $40 per household interview, subject to the quality of data collected for analysis. Prior survey experience and an interest in health are preferred, but not required.
Interested persons or anyone with questions can email steps@gov.bm to apply.
Where can the previous STEPS survey be found?
Our last STEPS to a Well Bermuda can be found here: