JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background Health and lifestyle population surveys are important in public health to identify trends, provide data to monitor the effectiveness and reach of public health initiatives and policies, and help allocate health resources more equitably. Surveys are a methodologically robust way of examining the inequalities in health outcomes or access to resources across a number of socio-demographic groups in a defined geographic area. This particular public health survey will provide information that cannot be obtained from other sources. Aim The aim of the study will be to provide comprehensive public health relevant data from an adult population in a defined geographic coastal area of South East England. We describe the development of the survey prior to commencing data analyses. Methods A cross-sectional, non-interventional (observational) health and lifestyle population survey was developed using a mobile first design approach to recruitment, with the content drawing on a previous iteration of the survey in 2012. Previous Health Counts surveys in this region have been conducted approximately every ten years since 1992 to provide data about trends over time. Extensive rounds of consultation and testing took place between October 2023 and February 2024. The final survey comprised of 102 questions structured around 13 contemporary public health issues in the UK. Survey distribution was by two rounds of text messaging through all General Practices in Brighton and Hove, to all adults registered with a GP, with a mobile phone who had not opted out of communications; advertising across a range of public facing initiatives; and included targeted outreach activities for potentially marginalised groups e.g. in public libraries and community groups. Enrolment took place between 18th March and 28th April 2024. Results A total of 26014 eligible people responded. Data analysis has yet to begin, results will be reported later in 2024/2025. Conclusions Health Counts 2024 survey data will help researchers identify population level health inequalities which can be used to inform decisions about future prevention initiatives and health and wellbeing services to meet residents’ needs. Findings will be published in peer reviewed journals and will form evidence to support local and regional public health initiatives.