Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI)

2. SLÁN CONSORTIUM Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI) National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) University College Cork (UCC) www.slan06.ie

3. SLÁN 2007 • Builds on previous health interview surveys SLÁN 1998 and SLÁN 2002 • These were postal surveys with interviewer follow-up for non-respondents • The 2006/2007 survey was the largest to date with largest brief

4. SLÁN SURVEY Three components: • Interview 10,364 individuals aged 18+ • Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, wc) 967 individuals aged 18-44 • Physical examination 1,207 individuals aged 45+

5. SLÁN – SAMPLING • Nationally representative • Participants randomly selected by the using a multilayered process: • random selection of address clusters based on the GeoDirectory (a national list of addresses) • randomly select addresses within the identified clusters • randomly select one individual at each identified address

6. SLÁN – SAMPLING (400 clusters)

7. 1. SLÁN INTERVIEWS • Face-to-face interview (35 mins approx) + self-completed food questionnaire (10 mins approx.) • Irish questionnaire available • Shortened translated self-completion questionnaire for non-English speakers [including Russian, Polish, Lithuanian, Chinese, Arabic]

8. SLÁN – CORE THEMES • General health - self-rated health, health service use, screening • Mental health - mental health index, depression & anxiety screening, self-harm, stigma • Physical activity - activities in the last week, barriers and intentions • Diet & nutrition - foods eaten, eating patterns, food poverty • Tobacco use - Intention to quit, advice, home smoking ‘rules’

9. SLÁN – CORE THEMES • Alcohol & Other Drugs - Frequency, quantity, problems caused, drug use • Injury - Type, cause, impact • Family, social networks and neighbours - Social contact, environment, support • Socioeconomic profile - Demographics, education, occupation, health financing

10. 2. SLÁN Anthropometric Measurements • Random selection of 18 – 44 year olds • Measurements taken by trained interviewers at end of survey • Height • Weight • Waist Circumference • Challenges: • Interviewer training , interviewer characteristics • Equipment portability and calibration

11. 3. SLÁN Health Examination • Respondents aged 45+ • Recruited at interview (pros & cons) • Measurements included: • Height, weight, waist circumference • Blood pressure • Lung function (peak expiratory flow; carbon monoxide) • Blood sample (cholesterol, glucose, liver function) • Urine sample (liver & kidney function) • Full report sent to respondent and GP

12. 3. SLÁN Health Examination • Central lab • 5 main occupational health clinics • Designated administration & nursing personnel • Regional ‘clinics’ as required

13. 3. SLÁN Health Examination • Motivating the team • Support of management • Dedicated point of contact • Weekly review, update • Regular training and retraining • Focus on the ‘big picture’ and importance of the data

14. 3. SLÁN Health Examination • Lessons learned • Communication is key • Be aware of and use different skill sets • Think practically • Go on site and be involved in pilot, be on site as regularly as possible • Bring all parties together at beginning and for review