1. [Erfurt male cohort study (ERFORT study). Study design and selected results].
- Author
-
Heinrich J and Wölke G
- Subjects
- Adult, Germany epidemiology, Germany, East epidemiology, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Survival Analysis, Survival Rate, Cardiovascular Diseases mortality, Cohort Studies, Health Status, Health Status Indicators, Quality of Life
- Abstract
Objectives: The main objective of the Erfurt male cohort study (ERFORT study) is to investigate cardiovascular risk factors, life-style related factors and psychosocial factors with regard to total and cause-specific mortality and morbidity during a follow-up of 30 years. This paper describes the study design, descriptive data on cardiovascular and psychosocial factors at baseline survey and findings of three 5-year follow-up medical examinations., Methods: The ERFORT study is a population-based prospective cohort study. The baseline survey from 1973 to 1975 examined a random population-based sample of 1,160 males aged 35 to 61 years (response rate 74.6%) from the city of Erfurt, East Germany followed by3 medical follow-up examinations after 5 years each. Life status was followed for 30 years., Results: During the follow-up examinations over 15 years the prevalence for cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction, angina pectoris and intermittent claudication doubled. The prevalence of diabetes increased from 2.8% to 12%. Elevated blood pressure (≥ 160/95 mmHg) increased slightly, whereas antihypertensive treatment increased strongly from 8.7 to 33.6%. Smoking and diabetes were revealed to be strong predictors for the onset of claudication. Elevated 1 h post-load glucose levels (≥ 200 mg/dl) as well as diabetes resulted in a statistically significant increase in all-cause mortality. Finally, weight cycling during a 15-year follow-up showed a statistically increased risk for all-cause mortality in the subsequent 15 years, which was higher than for stable obesity., Conclusions: This German male cohort, which was followed for several decades, is an outstanding database to answer questions about long-term associations between biological and psychosocial factors and mortality in men. It shows the feasibility of a long-term follow-up. more...
- Published
- 2012
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