Study design and methods of the Ansan Geriatric Study (AGE study).
BACKGROUND
The overall objective of the Ansan Geriatric Study (AGE study) was to describe the prevalence, incidence, and related risk factors for geriatric diseases in elderly Koreans.


METHODS
The AGE study was designed as a population-based prospective cohort study on health, aging, and common geriatric diseases of elderly Koreans aged 60 to 84 years. The inception cohort was recruited in May 2002. The first-wave and second-wave studies were performed using uniform and structured procedures. At the screening study, 2,767 participants were enrolled. Participants (1391 in the first wave study and 841 in the second wave study) were recruited and completed the evaluation. The prevalence of geriatric disease and related factors in elderly Koreans were estimated.


CONCLUSIONS
Here, we report the design and sampling participants, measurement tools, and characteristics of the AGE study. This cohort study will allow a detailed study of the longitudinal comprehensive data on health information of elderly Koreans, thereby contributing to policy formulation and planning of health, welfare management, and other social services in Korea.
Han
Changsu
C
Department of Neurology, Korea University Medical College, 516, Gojan-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-shi, Gyeonggi-do 425-707, Republic of Korea. hancs@korea.ac.kr
Jo
Sangmee Ahn
SA
Kim
Nan Hee
NH
Jo
Inho
I
Park
Moon Ho
MH
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D000886:Anthropometry; D001158:Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010808:Physical Examination; D014463:Ultrasonography