2026 ACT General Health Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ACT General Health Survey?

The ACT General Health Survey (ACTGHS) is an annual survey conducted in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) since 2007. It collects information about the health and wellbeing of ACT residents to help monitor population health and inform health policies, programs and services.

Who conducts the ACT General Health Survey?

The 2026 survey is being conducted by Ipsos on behalf of ACT Health and Community Services Directorate.

Why is the survey conducted?

The survey helps ACT Health and Community Services Directorate:

  •  monitor changes over time in health behaviours, health status and wellbeing
  • support the planning, implementation and evaluation of health policies and programs
  • collect health information not available from other sources
  • respond to emerging health information needs
  • support health research.

National health surveys often include relatively small numbers of ACT residents and may not provide sufficiently detailed or timely information about the ACT population. The ACTGHS helps address this gap.

What areas of health does the survey cover?

The 2026 survey focuses on health risk factors and related health behaviours. Topics may include:

  • physical activity
  • nutrition
  • weight status
  • self-rated health and disability
  • mental health and wellbeing
  • social support
  • tobacco smoking
  • e-cigarette (vaping) use
  • alcohol consumption
  • child health and wellbeing (through a separate child survey completed by a parent or carer).
     

How often is the survey conducted?

The ACT General Health Survey is conducted every year to monitor changes in the population's health over time.

How is the survey conducted?

The survey is conducted by telephone using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI). Participants are randomly selected from mobile telephone numbers obtained through approved sampling methods to ensure the survey represents the ACT population.

How long will the survey take?

The adult survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. If you are invited to complete the child survey on behalf of a child aged 5 to 15 years, this survey takes approximately 15 minutes.

Who can participate in the survey?

The survey has two components:

  • Adult survey: ACT residents aged 16 years and over.
  • Child survey: Parents or carers aged 16 years and over who complete a survey on behalf of a randomly selected child aged 5 to 15 years living in their household.

If selected, you will receive a phone call from a trained interviewer inviting you to participate.

How did you obtain my number?

Your mobile number was randomly selected from the Integrated Public Number Database (IPND), which contains most Australian phone numbers. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has authorised the use of the IPND for this research.

For more information about the IPND, visit: www.acma.gov.au/accessing-integrated-public-number-database

Can I complete the survey in a language other than English?

Yes. Interviewing support is available in the following languages if required:

  • Arabic
  • Hindi
  • Mandarin
  • Punjabi
  • Vietnamese.

Is participation in the survey mandatory?

No. Participation is entirely voluntary. However, your involvement is important because it helps ensure the survey accurately reflects the health and wellbeing of ACT residents.

Can I arrange a more convenient time to participate?

Yes. If you are unavailable when contacted, the interviewer can arrange an appointment at a more convenient time. You can also pause and continue the survey later if needed.

Are my survey responses confidential?

Yes. All information collected is treated confidentially and used only for research, planning and policy purposes.
Results are reported in aggregated form only, such as by age group, sexgender or geographic area. No information that could identify you personally will be published or recorded with your survey responses. Personal information is handled in accordance with applicable privacy and data security requirements.

How is information from the survey used?

Information collected through the survey is used to:

  • inform health policy and planning
  • support public health programs and services
  • monitor health trends over time
  • guide resource allocation and decision-making
  • support health research.

Results from previous surveys are publicly available through HealthStats ACT: www.act.gov.au/directorates-and-agencies/act-health/data-statistics-and-surveys/healthstats-act/statistics-and-indicators

How can I verify that this survey is legitimate?

Ipsos is conducting the survey on behalf of ACT Health and Community Services Directorate. Information about the survey is available on the ACT Health and Community Services Directorate website, and Ipsos has established a dedicated survey helpdesk and website containing frequently asked questions. The ACT General Health Survey has been approved by the ACT Health Human Research Ethics Committee (2019.ETH.00140).

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have further questions about the survey, please contact ACT Health and Community Services Directorate at: [email protected]

Or contact the Ipsos ACT General Health Survey Helpdesk on: 1800 034 523
 

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