Research & Surveys
Research helps us shape our services to meet your needs.
In most cases the research conducted by the health unit is available to other health professionals or members of the general public who are conducting their own research into public health issues.
Some current research efforts follow.
Intended as a tool for municipalities considering controls over the use of pesticides, this also offers evidence for the effectiveness of education and outreach programs.
This report was compiled to help the health unit take its first steps in leading communities toward creation of resources that benefit the general public's health.
In 2008, SMDHU conducted an evaluation of its Sexual Health Services to determine if services were accessible and meeting the needs of clients who access them.
Surveys
Understanding the health issues, attitudes and behaviours of Simcoe Muskoka residents is critical to planning effective public health programs and services. Community surveys are one way of gathering this information. The health unit is currently engaged in the following surveys to measure the impact of our programs in the short term and to track changes in the health of Simcoe Muskoka residents over time.
Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance Surveys
Each month, local residents are randomly called in a telephone survey to collect information about lifestyle behaviors that may impact their health and the health of their families.
More about Rapid Risk Factor Surveys
Previous Public Health Surveys
The health unit has been involved in a number of additional surveys over the past few years, as outlined below. If you have questions about the results of the surveys please contact the health unit's epidemiologist.
The walkON survey was conducted in order to understand the current levels of awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Simcoe Muskoka residents regarding walkable communities. At the time of the survey, there was no data on this from the general public living in Simcoe Muskoka. Residents were surveyed in the late fall and early winter of 2007.
The Simcoe County District Health Unit in partnership with the Simcoe County District School Board conducted a Child Health Survey in randomly selected elementary schools in the Simcoe County District School Board and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board during 2003.
The SCDHU completed an Infant Feeding Survey with 500 mothers who gave birth in 2002. Mothers were surveyed at six weeks after their baby's birth, then again at six months after birth. The survey provides up-to-date county-level data on infant feeding.
Page Last Updated: Tuesday, January 24 2012
