The STEPS Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors Survey uses a survey methodology developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to help countries establish noncommunicable disease surveillance systems. Some surveys are conducted at the country level and others at the subnational level. The methodology prescribes three steps—questionnaire, physical measurements, and biochemical measurements. Core topics covered by most surveys are demographics, health status, and health behaviors. These provide data on socioeconomic risk factors and metabolic, nutritional, and lifestyle risk factors. Details may differ from country to country and from year to year. 

The survey in Burkina Faso aimed to study the main risks factors associated with noncommunicable diseases for subjects ages 25-64. The sample design for the survey followed the WHO STEPS screening recommendations and consisted of 4,800 male and female residents selected using the Kish method.