Victorian Population Health Survey (VPHS)

The [Victorian Population Health Survey (VPHS)](https://www.health.vic.gov.au/population-health-systems/victorian-population-health-survey) was first undertaken in 2001 and is an ongoing source of high-quality information on the health and wellbeing of Victorian adults. The information collected in the annual survey is used to inform and support planning, implementation and evaluation of adult population health and other health programs in Victoria.The survey collects information on: • Overall health and chronic conditions • Mental health and wellbeing (e.g. psychological distress, depression, anxiety, life satisfaction) • Lifestyle risk factors like smoking, vaping, alcohol use, and physical activity • Other health risks such as food insecurity, racism and discrimination, and loneliness • Social determinants of health, including income, employment, social inclusion, and trust in others • Protective factors like emotional and social support • Use of healthcare services and trust in Victoria’s health system The information is used to: • Support evidence-based policy and planning by the Department of Health • Guide local councils in developing their Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plans • Contribute to the Chief Health Officer’s report, which is published every two years and shared with the public • Identify vulnerable communities and locations to better target health services and resources • Track health trends and detect new or emerging health issues over time Since 2008, the VPHS has operated on a three-year cycle. In two out of every three years, the survey is conducted at the state level with a sample of approximately 7,500 adults. Every third year, the survey expands to include data collection at the Local Government Area (LGA) level, with a significantly larger sample size of around 34,000 adults.Survey data and summary findings from 2018-2023 are published on the [Victorian Agency for Health Information (VAHI) website](https://vahi.vic.gov.au/reports/population-health).