| 1. |
- Linger, Henry, et al.
(författare)
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Conceptual development of an information systems framework for improving continuity in epidemiological research
- 1998
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Ingår i: European Journal of Epidemiology. - 0393-2990 .- 1573-7284. ; 14:6, s. 587-593
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lack of continuity is a problem for survey-based epidemiological research. Poor access to experience and inadequate retention of information means new projects seldom build on successful predecessors to the maximum possible extent. We have designed a data management framework which addresses this problem using a well-known information systems approach. Our ideas provide a means of storing data in a manner which reflects the original research concepts. This makes collected data accessible and understandable without reference to the questionnaire, and allows new questionnaires to be designed quickly and easily. Our framework provides a means for recording developmental, conceptual and other supporting information and documentation which is traditionally poorly conserved. We illustrate the components of the framework using a major Australian epidemiological project as a case study. Once the necessary software is developed, our framework will improve organisational memory within individual research units and has the potential to become a valuable support tool for survey-based research.
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| 2. |
- Lundbäck, Bo, et al.
(författare)
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An interview study to estimate prevalence of asthma and chronic bronchitis : The obstructive lung disease in northern Sweden study
- 1993
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Ingår i: European Journal of Epidemiology. - 0393-2990 .- 1573-7284. ; 9:2, s. 123-133
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A questionnaire of respiratory symptoms and diseases completed by 6610 adults in 3 age cohorts (35-36 y; 50-51 y and 65-66 y) in northern Sweden was followed-up by interview and lung function testing of 1243 subjects with asthmatic or bronchitic symptoms and 263 subjects assessed from the postal questionnaire as being healthy. We report the results of this follow-up study. According to the criteria used, 292 subjects (5.1% of the original study sample) were diagnosed as having asthma. Out of the 1243 subjects 334 (5.9% of the original study population) were diagnosed as having chronic bronchitis. However, examination of the 263 subjects who were healthy according to the postal questionnaire showed that elderly smokers, in particular, under-reported bronchitic symptoms; taking this into account, the prevalence of chronic bronchitis is estimated to be of the order of 9%. Diagnostic difficulties were noted in 70 subjects (corresponding to 1.2% of the original study sample) in whom asthma or chronic bronchitis were strongly suspected. Further investigation of these subjects was considered necessary. In this cross-sectional study, FEV1 < 80% of predicted values was found in 36% of subjects diagnosed as having asthma and in 31% of those with chronic bronchitis. Among subjects with attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, diagnostic criteria often used for asthma in questionnaire studies, 70% were diagnosed as having asthma. Of those with chronic productive cough, 62% were diagnosed as having chronic bronchitis. We consider that trained nurses provide reliable data that may be used in epidemiological surveys of obstructive lung diseases
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