Step 1: Collection of demographic and
behavioral data through questionnaires. This includes information on risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diet, and physical activity.
Step 2: Physical measurements, which include height, weight, and blood pressure, to assess
biometric risk factors.
Step 3: Biochemical measurements, such as blood glucose and cholesterol levels, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's health status.
It provides a standardized method for countries to collect data, ensuring consistency and comparability across different regions and time periods.
It helps identify the burden of NCDs and their risk factors, which is essential for developing targeted
public health policies and interventions.
It allows for the monitoring of trends over time, enabling governments to evaluate the effectiveness of their health initiatives and make necessary adjustments.
It supports the global goal of reducing the burden of NCDs, as outlined in the
WHO Global Action Plan.
Who conducts the WHO STEPS surveys?
WHO STEPS surveys are typically conducted by national health authorities, often in collaboration with international partners and organizations. These surveys require trained personnel to administer questionnaires, perform physical measurements, and collect biochemical samples. Countries may also receive technical and financial support from WHO and other international agencies to implement these surveys.
Resource constraints: Conducting comprehensive surveys can be resource-intensive, requiring significant financial and human resources.
Technical skills: Proper training is needed for personnel to accurately collect and analyze data.
Data quality: Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the collected data is critical for meaningful analysis and interpretation.
Logistical issues: Coordinating large-scale surveys, especially in remote or conflict-affected areas, can be challenging.
Seek technical and financial assistance from international organizations and partners.
Invest in capacity building and training for health personnel.
Utilize innovative technologies and methodologies to streamline data collection and analysis.
Foster intersectoral collaborations to ensure a comprehensive approach to NCD prevention and control.
Conclusion
In summary, the WHO STEPS approach provides a valuable framework for countries to systematically collect and analyze data on non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. By overcoming the associated challenges and leveraging international support, countries can effectively use this tool to inform public health policies and ultimately reduce the burden of
NCDs globally.
