Wimmera Risk Factor Survey
The final of the risk factor surveys being undertaken by the GGT UDRH aims to estimate the prevalence of recognised risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the population in the Wimmera region in north west Victoria. The study also aims to raise community awareness about cardiovascular disease and to provide a comprehensive ‘health screen’ for participating volunteers.Towns in the Wimmera region selected in the survey include Horsham, Dimboola, Murtoa, Nhill, Edenhope and Warracknabeal. The survey will randomly sample approximately 1,250 people aged 25-84 years. Selected participants will be invited to participate in a health check conducted by fully trained nursing staff. Measurements taken from the health checks include chronic disease risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, as well as behavioural factors such as smoking, physical activity and diet. The results will be utilised in research, as well as for planning targeted health promotion and disease prevention activities in the region.
The survey will provide us with valuable information about the health of people living in this region and especially about diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One of the many reasons for undertaking such population health research is to help us to provide more reliable information to policy and decision makers about the types of health and preventive services required by the population. The only way researchers can properly understand local health problems is to set up a survey, repeated over time, which asks specific health-related questions of the population concerned.
This study is being funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and Servier Laboratories Pty Ltd.