A major territory-wide health survey, offering coupon rewards to participants, kicks off in Hong Kong on Sept 18, with the aim of collecting data from about 20,000 residents to compile a holistic overview of public health in the city.
At a media briefing on Friday, representatives from the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said the survey targets residents aged 15 or above and excludes inpatients, people living aboard vessels, tourists and foreign domestic helpers.
The citywide survey will be conducted in two parts. For the first part, the authorities will send letters to about 10,000 randomly selected households, inviting about 20,000 residents to complete an online questionnaire covering areas such as their mental and physical health, living habitat, chronic disease management, and whether or not they smoke or consume alcohol.
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The results of the survey are expected to be collected by the end of 2026, and a report will be released afterwards.
For the second part, about 1,800 respondents aged between 18 and 84 will be randomly selected and will be invited to undergo a free health examination. Each body check takes about 45-60 minutes and will be completed within six months of receiving the person’s consent.
Each household that completes the questionnaire will receive a cash coupon worth HK$100 ($12.85), and an extra HK$300 coupon will be given to those who complete the health examination.
Respondents who complete the health examination will receive their laboratory reports, and the Department of Health will provide advice and referral letters to those with abnormal test results. The test reports will be deposited in their personal eHealth accounts, which will facilitate them in seeking any appropriate follow up and treatment.
Sharma Geeta, principal medical and health officer in charge of disease prevention at CHP’s Non-Communicable Disease Branch, said that the body check consists of three parts: physical measurements, blood tests and urinalysis. Data confidentiality is strictly enforced, with data being used solely for research purposes. All materials collected will be disposed of within 12 months after completion of the survey, Sharma said.
Sharma advised residents to watch out for any phishing SMS messages and emails, adding that the Department of Health only uses the identifiers "#DH-PHS2025", "#DH-PHS" or "noreply@ehr.gov.hk" when sending an SMS or email.
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Government personnel will visit any household that has failed to submit the survey in time to provide assistance. They will wear a teal-colored uniform bearing the “Population Health Survey” and “Department of Health” logos, along with an identity card issued by the Department of Health.
The survey is conducted every five years and aims to strengthen and update the government's database, thus helping the authorities to conduct effective and evidence-based decision-making in their health policy, resource allocation and provision of health services and public health programs.
The previous survey was launched in 2020 and completed in 2022.
Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com
