The STEPwise approach to noncommunicable disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) focuses on obtaining core data on the established risk factors that determine the major burden of NCDs. The questionnaire is divided into three steps:

•     Step 1: questionnaire
•     Step 2: physical measurements
•     Step 3: blood and urine samples

Each Step is comprised of "core" questions, covering the minimum set of recommended measures, and countries may add additional "expanded" questions or country-specific questions. Step 1 covers the behavioural risk factors for NCDs (i.e. tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity) as well as questions on health history. Step 2 covers measurements for height, weight, waist and hip circumference, blood pressure and heart rate. Step 3 covers measures for fasting blood glucose, lipids and sodium (spot urine). Additionally, countries may choose to add any of a number of optional modules to their survey: cervical cancer, mental health/suicide, oral health, sexual health, tobacco policy, or violence and injury. Visit the STEPS homepage.