Study population

We have merged data from the following Norwegian Health Screening Surveys conducted between 1972 and 2003 into one database.

The Norwegian Counties study

These surveys included participants of cardiovascular disease screening in 3 rural Norwegian counties (Finnmark, Sogn og Fjordane, and Oppland) during 3 periods: 1974–1978, 1977–1983, and 1985–1988. All residents aged 35–49 years in addition to a random sample
of 10% of the general population aged 20–34 years were invited. New cohorts and previous participants were invited to a second and third screening. The attendance rate was 88% for the two first and 84% for the third screening.

The 40 years cohort

These surveys included about 420,000 Norwegian men and women and were carried out in all of the 19 counties of Norway from 1985–1999. Men and women aged 40–42 years were invited and in some counties also those aged 65–67 years. The participation rate was 69%.

THE COHORT OF NORWAY (CONOR)

In this survey, regional data from epidemiologic studies conducted in 1994–2003 were merged into a national database. Standardized protocols, procedures, and questionnaires were used. The response rate for the 10 surveys in the CONOR study was 58%.

The Oslo study I

This cardiovascular health screening was conducted in 1972–1973 among men, aged 40–49 years, and a random sample of 7% of those aged 20–39 years, living in the municipality of Oslo. Participants answered a one-page questionnaire that focused on symptoms of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, smoking habits, and physical activity. The participation rate was almost 60%.