The Health Omnibus Survey is a face-to-face survey conducted annually since 1991 for government and non-government organisations responsible for servicing the health needs of the South Australian community.

The goal of the Omnibus is to collect, analyse and interpret data that can be used to plan, implement and monitor health programs and other initiatives. The idea of an omnibus survey is that several organisations share the cost of conducting a survey, with each organisation paying only for those questions that are of direct relevance to their information requirements.

The Health Omnibus provides organisations in the health sector with an opportunity to generate social statistics indicating prevalence rates, program impacts and other important data at an affordable cost. A particular advantage of the Health Omnibus is that an extremely rigorous sampling procedure is adopted for the survey, generating statistical information of the highest quality. A sample of 4,400 households is selected. One adult (non-replaceable) is interviewed in each household. The Health Omnibus aims to achieve a response rate of 70% or higher.

A prospectus is available that gives additional details on the Health Omnibus Survey. Please contact Jane Tuckerman (Population Research and Outcome Studies, Department of Health, on (08) 8226-0789 or email jane.tuckerman@health.sa.gov.au