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How were participants selected?

We randomly selected 40 urban and 40 rural areas of Victoria. Within these areas participants were randomly selected from the Australian electoral role which was provided to us with the permission of the Australian Electoral Commission.

What questions are being asked?

To develop the surveys we have used a theoretical framework that highlights the importance of personal, social and environmental factors for obesity-risk behaviours. Personal factors include things like knowledge about healthy eating and physical activity, attitudes towards eating and activity and motivation to eat well and be active. Social factors include things like support for healthy eating and physical activity from family or friends, social networks and participation in community activities. Environmental factors include things like access to recreational facilities, presence of fast food outlets and availability of public transport. We also ask about things like general health, work and study, education and training and family situation (marital status, number of children) as these are all thought to be related to physical activity and eating behaviours.