Australian health measurement survey: report on the pilot test

Data about biomedical risk factors in the population are an important component of national public health information. Data about high blood pressure and levels of blood components are very relevant to priority health problems such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, high blood cholesterol and other chronic disorders that have significant health, social and economic impact. In May 2002, the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council endorsed the conduct of a pilot test of the proposed Australian Health Measurement Survey. This information paper describes the methods used in the pilot test run in early 2003 and documents key lessons learnt in conducting the pilot.