title: Longitudinal Evaluation of Multi-phasic, Odontological and Nutritional Associations in Dentists (LEMONADE Study): study design and profile of nationwide cohort participants at baseline.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To examine the association between oral health and general well-being, we are currently conducting a nationwide cohort study comprising members of the Japan Dental Association (JDA). Herein, we describe the study design and the profile of the participants at baseline.
  
  
  METHODS
  From 2001 through 2006, the participants completed a baseline questionnaire that surveyed factors related to lifestyle, general health, and oral health. Morbidity and mortality have been monitored by using information from fraternal insurance programs operated by prefectural dental associations. All respondents provided written, informed consent for participation and the use of their insurance data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 21,272 JDA members participated in the baseline survey (response rate, 36.2%). Their mean age +/- SD was 52.3 +/- 12.3 years; 8.0% were women. Among the respondents, 30.2% of men and 10.7% of women were current smokers; 73.5% of men and 44.8% of women were current drinkers. The cohort scored higher on oral health indices than did the general Japanese population: dentists were more likely to brush their teeth > or =3 times/day, to have > or =20 teeth, to have fewer lost teeth, to be free from periodontal diseases, and to have higher General Oral Health Assessment Index scores. There was, however, considerable inter-individual variation in scores on the indices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More than one-third of JDA members participated in the study. Their oral average health status was better than that of the general population. Nevertheless, it will be possible to compare morbidity and mortality between those with better and worse scores on oral health indices.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine/Biostatistics and Medical Decision Making, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan. wakai@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wakai
authors.forename: Mariko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Naito
authors.forename: Toru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Naito
authors.forename: Haruo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nakagaki
authors.forename: Osami
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Umemura
authors.forename: Makoto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yokota
authors.forename: Nobuhiro
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hanada
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kawamura
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003815:Dentists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009909:Oral Health; D012107:Research Design; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing