Abstract

Risk Factors and Health in the Netherlands, a survey on Municipal Health Services. The main aim of the project was to monitor risk factors or determinants of chronic and infectious disease in the general population. Also studied were the differences with respect to many background- and health- related variables between participants interviewed at home and those taking the physical examination. Random sampling by the CBS led to home interviews by trained interviewers of individuals from the age of 0 who were willing to cooperate in the survey. The interview consisted of items related to aspects of health status and use of medicines/medical devices. Questions on lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking and vaccination) were included. At the end of the interview, participants were asked for permission to be approached for an additional health examination. Participants older than 12 years were asked to visit the nearest community or municipal health service (GGD). Of the participant, 56.9% agreed to participate in the additional health examination. A short physical examination was performed at the health centre. Blood samples were taken and blood pressure measured, as well as height, weight, and waist and hip circumferences. In addition, the 'joint-function test' was performed and an additional questionnaire was distributed. Of the people interviewed, 28.0% had visited the community or municipal health centre. The participants undergoing the physical examination were representative of the Dutch population, in that there were no major differences with respect to most of the background- and health-related variables between participants interviewed at home and those taking the physical examination. men. The prevalence of overweight was higher for the women than for the men. The estimation of overweight was different for length and weight (reported was higher than measured), clearly seen especially among the women. On the basis of non-fasting glucose measurements, 3,8% of the group had a high glucose level.