• What is the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System?
• What type of information does RRFSS collect?
• How will the information be used?
• Aren't there other surveys that collect this information?
• Will I be interviewed?
• How will you get my telephone number?
• Who will interview me?
• How will I know that the survey is legitimate?
• How long does it take to do the survey?
• Do I have to answer all the questions?

What is the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS)?

• The Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS) is an on-going telephone survey occurring in a number of public health units across Ontario.
• On a monthly basis, approximately 100 Halton adults aged 18 years and older are interviewed.

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What type of information does RRFSS collect?

• Health behaviours such as:
  • smoking
  • physical activity
  • sun safety
  • having a flu shot
• Awareness of health issues like:
  • banning smoking in public places
  • preventing childhood injuries
  • emerging health issues like West Nile Virus and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

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How will the information be used?

• The information is used to help the Health Department plan, implement, evaluate and improve public health programs and services.
• Published results do not in any way identify individuals who have completed the survey.
• Survey results can be found at www.rrfss.ca/query/index.php .

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Aren't there other surveys that collect this information?

• Yes, but RRFSS data is available more quickly than other surveys, allowing the Health Department to plan and implement our programs and services more accurately.
• RRFSS also provides the Health Department with information about the Region of Halton and its four municipalities (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville), which is often not available from other surveys.

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Will I be interviewed?

• You may be interviewed if you are living in Halton and are 18 years of age or older.
• Scientific procedures are used to randomly select telephone numbers each month. If your telephone number is selected through this process, you will be called.
• Approximately 100 calls are made to Halton residents every month.

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How will you get my telephone number?

• A computer program generates all of the telephone numbers.
• Even unlisted telephone numbers may be called.

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Who will interview me?

• An interviewer from the Institute for Social Research at York University will call you on behalf of the Halton Region Health Department.
• The Institute for Social Research was chosen because of its expertise in conducting similar telephone surveys.

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How will I know that the survey is legitimate?

• The person calling you will indicate that they are calling on behalf of the Halton Region Health Department.
• If you have concerns about the survey you may ask to speak with a staff person from the Health Department or Contact Us directly.

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How long does it take to do the survey?

• The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
• If an interviewer calls and you don't have the time, an appointment can be made for a day and time that is more convenient for you.

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Do I have to answer all the questions?

• No, you may refuse to answer any question. Let the interviewer know and they will go on to the next question.

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