Pilot NCD survey delayed to February 2016

A Division of Public Health pilot survey for non-communicable diseases that was supposed to start this month will instead be conducted in February 2016.

The survey, the results of which will serve as the baseline data for health in the Commonwealth, is being delayed due to the recent Typhoon Soudelor that devastated Saipan on Aug. 2 and 3, according to DPH NCD Bureau administrator Becky Robles.

“Due to the typhoon we have to delay the implementation of the survey. It won’t take place this year. It would be insensitive of us to go out and survey the community when the community is still recovering,” she said.

“Aside from that, people’s behaviors have potentially been altered, whether it’s a change in diet and/or exercise, or smoking more due to a stressful living situation, to name a few. We are hoping to implement the survey by February 2016,” Robles added.

She noted, though, that the survey questionnaire itself is already done.

“The extra time has allowed us to finish up a few supplemental documents for the training such as the trainer’s manual and other necessary documents. We are continuing to finalize protocols, manuals, training materials, among others and aim to have everything final and ready to print by the end of December so that we are ready to implement by February,” she said.

Not only will the pilot survey help determine the prevalence rate of NCDs in the CNMI, but it will also capture better and accurate data among adults.

It will also be a baseline survey on where the CNMI is health-wise and would help the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. determine its priorities and what programs are needed. The results would also be helpful in creating policies and introduction of legislation.

The pilot survey will be for adults 18 and over. It will be done via door-to-door. It won’t target every house in the village but only a percentage of residents. The survey will include Rota and Tinian as well.

Questions will pertain to mammograms, Pap tests, colonoscopy, general health questions, smoking, alcohol, betel nut chewing, food consumption, drinks such as sugar-sweetened beverages, and physical activity, among others.

Blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure checks will be done on the spot. The survey involves more than 100 questions and will take 45 minutes to answer.