title: Conducting a statewide health examination survey: the Arkansas Cardiovascular Health Examination Survey (ARCHES).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Arkansas Cardiovascular Health Examination Survey is a health and nutrition examination survey designed to serve as a demonstration project for collection of data on the prevalence of chronic diseases and their risk factors at the state level. The survey was conducted from mid-2006 through early 2008.
  
  
  METHODS
  We chose a cross-sectional representative sample of adult residents in Arkansas by using a 3-stage, cluster sample design. Trained interviewers conducted interviews and examinations in respondents' homes, collecting data on risk factors and diseases, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements, and blood and urine samples for analysis and storage. Food frequency questionnaires provided dietary and nutrient intake data. We accomplished the project using a collaborative model among several programs and partners within the state.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 4,894 eligible households were contacted by telephone. Of these, refusals accounted for 2,748, and 2,146 gave initial consent to participate, for an initial response rate of 44%. The final number of completed household visits was 1,385, resulting in a final response rate of 28.3%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Arkansas Cardiovascular Health Examination Survey is among the first state-level health and nutrition examination surveys to be conducted in the United States. By using a collaborative model and leveraging federal funds, we engaged several partners who provided additional resources to complete the project. The survey provides the state with valuable state-level data and information for program design and delivery.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Advancement, Arkansas Department of Health, 4815 West Markham St, Slot 6, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. Namvar.Zohoori@arkansas.gov
authors.forename: Namvar
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zohoori
authors.forename: LeaVonne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pulley
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Senner
authors.forename: Hylan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shoob
authors.forename: Robert K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Merritt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001131:Arkansas / Q000453:epidemiology; D044383:Black People; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004034:Diet Surveys / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult; D001741:Black or African American