The Busselton Health Study data collected

Full description

A summary of surveys, data and biological specimens from the Busselton Health Study. The group, independently and in collaboration with other Busselton Health Studies researchers, uses the accumulated data to conduct research into:epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases; epidemiology of respiratory diseases; mortality and hospital admission rates; familial aggregation of chronic diseases; and disease risk factors. Most surveys included a detailed questionnaire focussing on lifestyle and general health history, a number of physical measurements and tests, and blood samples were collected for biochemical, haematological and immunological analyses. Cross-sectional comprehensive surveys of all adults on the electoral roll for Busselton Shire were conducted in 1966, 1969, 1972, 1975, 1978, and 1981 with respective participation rates of 91%, 90%, 86%, 76%, 74% and 64%. The number of participants ranged from 3,400 in 1966 to about 4,000 in 1978 and 1981. Cross-sectional comprehensive surveys of all school children were conducted in 1967, 1970, 1973, 1977 (high school only) and 1983. The number of participants was about 1,600 in each survey except for 1977 when it was 556. A cross-sectional comprehensive survey of all adults over 65 years of age was conducted in 1987. The number of participants was 1,120. A cross-sectional (respiratory questionnaire only) survey of all adults (on the electoral roll) was conducted in 1990. The number of respondents was 3,880. An asthma (questionnaire, sera and DNA) survey of 250 families (two parents and two children) was conducted in 1992. Mortality follow-up of all participants in the cross-sectional surveys 1966-1987 is performed annually, both by linkage to the Registrar-General's annual death list for Western Australia and by manual methods. All hospital admissions (1975 - 2003) for participants in the cross-sectional surveys 1966-1987 have been added to the database via linkage to the WA Hospital Morbidity Data System. Periodic updates will be performed. All 10,000 known survivors of the cross-sectional surveys (1966 - 1983) were invited to a comprehensive survey in 1994/95 regardless of whether or not still resident in Busselton. The response rate was about 50%. Sera for approximately 3,000 people are available from each cross-sectional survey of adults (1966, 1969, 1972, 1975, 1978, 1981) although there are identification problems with some batches of specimens and the integrity of the sera is not guaranteed due to variable quality storage facilities over the years. Pilot testing of a few specimens is strongly recommended. Sera are available for most people in the 250 families in the 1992 asthma survey. Sera are available for about 4,500 people in the 1994-95 follow-up survey. DNA for most people in the 250 families in the 1992 asthma family survey are available. Whole blood and buffy coats are available for about 4,500 people in the 1994-95 follow-up survey. Survey information on participants' relatives has been used to construct family pedigrees among Busselton survey participants. Using data from Adult and Childrens' surveys, the study has (incomplete) data for about 2,000 families. Using data from Adult surveys only, the study has (incomplete) data for 1,300 families. From adult surveys, the study has data on about 2,900 husband-wife pairs who took part in at least one survey together. The 1992 asthma family survey included 250 families with 2 parents and 2 children.