Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System (RRFSS)
Frequently asked questions

What is this survey about?

We are interviewing adults 18 years of age and over about behaviors associated with the major causes of death and disability. Participants will be asked questions about smoking, immunization, use of car seats and bike helmets, cancer screening, safe water and more.

What is the goal of the RRFSS?

The major goal is to provide timely, useful data for planning, monitoring and evaluating local public health programs and services.

What's in it for me?

The data will be used to improve programs and services for all residents of Simcoe County.

Why is this survey needed?

The purpose of RRFSS is to provide timely data relevant to local public health needs. RRFSS is used to monitor key public health issues and is flexible so information can be collected on issues that are of immediate concern. The results from RRFSS are used to support program planning and evaluation, to advocate for public policy development, and to improve community awareness regarding the risks for chronic diseases, infectious disease and injuries.

Why did I receive a letter about RRFSS?

The purpose of the letter, which was sent to randomly selected households, is to let people know in advance that they will be invited to participate in the RRFSS survey. Those who have received the letter will be called to participate in the survey over the next few days.

How did you get my telephone number?

Scientific procedures were used to select a random sample of telephone numbers within the county. A computer program generated all telephone numbers. We have no way of knowing whose number we are calling.

Who will be interviewing me?

On behalf of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, the Institute for Social Research at York University may phone and ask for participation in this survey. The Institute for Social Research was chosen because of its expertise in conducting telephone surveys.

Who will see this information?

After the survey information is collected, it will be sent to the health unit. The results will be analyzed and used by the health unit to plan programs and activities directly related to the health problems identified by this survey. The survey results will be available on our web site at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org. In no way will the published results identify any person.

What agencies are involved?

• Brant County Health Unit
• Durham Region Health Department
• Grey Bruce Health Unit
• Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
• Halton Region Health Department
• City of Hamilton - Public Health and Community Services
• Hasting & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit
• Kingston, Frontenac and Lenox & Addington Health Unit
• County of Lambton Community Health Services Department
• Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District
• Middlesex-London Health Unit
• Regional Niagara Public Health Department
• Ottawa Public Health - City of Ottawa
• Regional Municipality of Peel Health Department
• Perth District Health Unit
• Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
• Sudbury & District Health Unit
• Toronto Public Health
• Region of Waterloo Public Health
• Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
• York Region Health Services Department
• Ontario Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care
• Health Canada
• Institute for Social Research, York University
• Central East Health Information Partnership

How do I know the survey is legitimate?

The survey is an important effort of all participating health units. We need to learn more about the behaviors of our adult population so that health promotion programs can be more effectively developed.

If you receive a call and you want to verify that this is a legitimate survey, contact Health Connection, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

How long will it take me to answer all of the questions?

It will take about 15 to 20 minutes to complete the survey. 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.

What if I don't feel comfortable answering a question?

If you don't wish to answer a question, let the interviewer know and they will go on to the next question. You may refuse to answer any questions.