Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has encouraged people to take part in the National STEPwise Survey, 2023 for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as it has a great importance in reducing the burden of these diseases and improving public health.
The STEPwise survey began on May 25 and is being conducted in collaboration with the Planning and Statistics Authority (PSA), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). It is a standardised survey developed by World Health Organisation (WHO).
“The results of National STEPwise Survey, 2023 for NCDs provide a basic database in setting effective health plan and policies. We call on community members to fully corporate with the field work teams in their visits to selected households to conduct the survey,” Director of Public Health Department, at the Ministry, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, said in a video message.
“We expect your cooperation to ensure the success of this survey for the benefit of your health and for your community’s health,” he added.
The National STEPwise Survey, 2023 for NCDs is conducted from Saturday to Thursday by field teams compromising members of the PSA, HMC and PHCC.
“During the home visits a questionnaire will be filled out on chronic and non-communicable diseases. Physical measurements will be taken and urine and blood samples will be collected for urinary sodium, creatinine and blood glucose,” said Dr. Al Thani.
He also said that the nurses carry a letter from the Ministry of Public Health and for any inquires people can call on 16000; and the census enumerators from the Planning and Statistics Authority also hold identification cards and people can call 8000800 for any clarification.
According to the Ministry, the survey will be carried out by visiting homes of Qatari nationals and non-Qatari residents after a random sample is selected from household lists, based on Population census, 2020. The participants of the survey will be in age group between 15 and 69 years old, randomly selected from these selected households.
National STEPwise Survey, 2023 for NCDs is a follow up to the 2012 survey. Besides providing a database on chronic non-communicable diseases, it will also give information on related risk such as tobacco use, lack of physical activity, unhealthy nutrition, obesity, hypertension, increased blood glucose and increased blood fat.
