Protocol Design for Surveillance of Risk Factors of Non–communicable Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Experience from Iran STEPS Survey 2021

• DOI: 10.34172/aim.2022.99
• Publication Date: 2023-01-08T08:10:37Z
• Authors: Shirin Djalalinia; Sina Azadnajafabad; Erfan Ghasemi; Moein Yoosefi; Negar Rezaei; Yosef Farzi; Ameneh Kazemi; Naser Ahmadi; Maryam Nasserinejad; Nima Fattahi; Shahabeddin Rezaei; Elham Abdolhamidi; Elmira Foroutan Mehr; Rosa Haghshenas; Nazila Rezaei; Jaleh Abdi; Alireza Moghisi; Alireza Mahdavihe...; Ali Akbari Sari; Alireza Raeisi; Hamidreza Jamshidi; Bagher Larijani; Farshad Farzadfar
• Keywords: Pandemic; Economic shortage; Survey data collection; Survey Methodology; Communicable disease

Background: Regarding the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and exposure to their risk factors, continuous need for nationwide data, we aimed develop latest round STEPwise Approach NCD Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) survey in 2021 Iran, while COVID-19 pandemic was still present. Methods: In addition three main steps this survey, including questionnaires, physical measurements, laboratory assessments, adapted with situation caused by pandemic, adding various aspects study phases changing some scientific executive procedures STEPS Iran. These changes were beyond initial novelties embedded within before refining protocol benefiting from previous experiences survey. Results: By amending required changes, could include a total 27874 individuals first step This number 27745 18119 second third steps. Comparing preliminary results surveys, highly representative on both national provincial levels. Also, implementing prevention control strategies all stages led least infection transmission between investigators participants. Conclusion: The novel initiatives developed Iran provide state-of-the-art surveys presence an overwhelming catastrophe like triggered limitations shortages resources.