About the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS)

The Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System, or RRFSS, is an ongoing telephone survey conducted by the Institute for Social Research (ISR) at York University and used by the Halton Region Health Department. Through RRFSS, Halton Region collects information about health-related behaviours among Halton adults 18 years of age and over. Participants are asked questions about topics such as smoking, physical activity, alcohol use, sun safety, bike helmet use.

The purpose of RRFSS

Halton Region needs to learn more about the behaviours of Halton residents so that we can improve the health of our community. RRFSS provides timely, useful data that helps the Health Department plan, implement, evaluate and improve public health programs and services.

Contact by telephone

The ISR uses a modified form of random digit dialing along with commercially-available lists of telephone numbers. The available lists include unlisted household and cellphone numbers.

Trained telephone interviewers will call from the ISR and ask you to participate in the survey.

Participation in Health Department surveys

While you are invited to participate, it is not mandatory. Your participation helps Halton Region learn more about the health of Halton residents, and will help improve the health of our community. Your individual information will remain confidential and anonymous. You can refuse to answer any questions if you are not comfortable with them.

Halton Region Health Department uses RRFSS information to help plan programs and activities. The information collected is also used to write reports, which can be found on our Health Statistics page.

Contact

For more information, contact the Halton Region Health Department by calling 311   or 1-866-442-5866  .