The Østerbro examination

Summary

Strengths: It is possible to follow the health status for the respondents over time. Additionally, the database covers socio-demographics. Most respondents have been followed for 35 years. The database contains both information received from questionnaires and physical examinations. From each respondent, a small blood sample has been saved, so in time it will be possible to analyse genetic material and whether lifestyle or genetics are more important in relation to developing illnesses.

Type of data

Data Source
Survey

Type of Study
Other: Longitudinal study

Data gathering method
Self administered questionnaire
Other: Self-administered questionnaire and a health examination

Access to data

Conditions of access

Type of available data (e.g. anonymised microdata, aggregated tables, etc.)
Anonymised microdata

Formats available
SAS, SPSS, tab-delimited file

Coverage

Coverage Years of collection, reference years, and sample sizes
For the first wave in 1976, there were 19,698 respondents. In the subsequent waves in 1981-1983, 1991-1994, 2001-2004 and 2011-today, follow-ups were carried out. In total, the study covers more than 24,000 men and women aged 20 and above.

First year of collection
1976

Stratification if applicable
The sample is stratified by age

Base used for sampling

Geographical coverage and breakdowns
Covers the population of the areas Østerbro and Nørrebro in Copenhagen; most respondents have been followed for 35 years.

Age range
20 and above

Statistical representativeness
Population representative

Coverage of main and cross-cutting topics
The purpose is to monitor the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases compared to different risk factors such as being overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, blood pressure, etc. Since 2003, the database has been supplemented with information about other diseases such as cancer and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). The questionnaire includes questions about former and current diseases, lifestyle, family and social relations, mental wellbeing, use of medicine, etc.

Linkage

Standardisation
Measures such as: ECG, scannings, blood pressure, lung functioning, height, weight, blood samples (cholesterol, blood sugar, haemoglobin)

Possibility of linkage among databases
Data can be linked to register data available at Statistics Denmark through an encrypted identification key.

Data quality

Entry errors if applicable
N.A.

Breaks
N.A.

Consistency of terminology or coding used during collection
The basic measures are repeated for the different years.

Governance

Contact information
Danish Data Archive (DDA)
Danish Data Archive (DDA)
Islandsgade 10
5000 Odense Denmark Phone: (+45)66113010
Email: mailbox(at)dda.dk
Url: N.A.

Timeliness, transparency
N.A.