BACKGROUND & METHODOLOGY
The Somerset County Health Officers Association, located in Somerset County, New Jersey, requested that Holleran conduct a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) study among its adult community using the CDC BRFSS tool. The BRFSS is a national initiative, headed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that assesses the health status and risk factors among U.S. citizens.
The Somerset County Health Officers Association, in coordination with representatives from Holleran, personalized the BRFSS tool to assess the needs of Somerset County. The tool was developed by selecting various core sections and modules from the BRFSS tool and adding individualized questions specific to the Somerset County area. Depending upon respondents’ answers to questions regarding cardiovascular disease, smoking, sun exposure, etc., interviews averaged 20 to 30 minutes in length.
A sampling strategy was developed by Holleran and approved by the Somerset County Health Officers Association. The sampling strategy identified the number of completed surveys needed within each zip code across the county. The final sample (2,019) yields an overall error rate of +/-2.2% at a 95% confidence level. Data collection took place between May 15 and August 4, 2006.
The calculated response rate for the study is 28.2%. Holleran is a member of the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO) and follows the guidelines for survey research quality established by the organization. Likewise, Holleran calculates response rates according to the definition established by CASRO as outlined in the document, “On the Definition of Response Rates.” The response rate is equal to the number of completed interviews divided by the number of eligible respondents. The number of eligible respondents is the total number of potential respondents minus wrong numbers, disconnects, ineligible respondents, and an estimate of disqualified respondents among those on the list who were not contacted. For a more detailed description of the determination of response rates, refer to the CASRO article “On the Definition of Response Rates.”
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The research objectives of the assessment were as follows:
1. To gather statistically valid information on the health status of Somerset County residents.
2. To gather statistically valid information on the health status of pre-selected municipalities within Somerset County.
3. To accurately represent all populations within Somerset County.
4. To develop accurate comparisons to the state and national baseline of health and quality of life measures to provide trending information for the future.
5. To interpret the meaning of the data collected so that needs are accurately depicted for Somerset County residents.
6. To conduct research in a fully confidential manner consistent with the Code of Standards and Ethics promulgated by the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO).
The Somerset County Health Officers Association Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) study for Somerset County may be accessed at:
http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/Health/brfss.htm