The North West Adelaide Health Study is an initiative that will lead to better health for people living in the North West area of Adelaide. It is a study of the health of people in this area and will lead to a better understanding of the health services needed.

This is one of the first regions in Australia to make a comprehensive health assessment of the whole adult community. Adults of all ages, occupations, and states of health are included in the study. The people who have agreed to participate have a chance to make a major contribution to their community, and look after their own health too.

The people selected to participate in the study also represent other people like them in the population.  Their involvement will have an effect on the health of many other people.  At the same time they can be doing a great deal for their own health.  Everyone receives the results of their tests and are invited to discuss these with their doctor.

The participants involved are a randomly selected sample of approximately 4000 adults who, in Stage 1 of the study, were invited to answer a few questions about their health, and visit a hospital clinic for a simple health check. Information was first collected from these people in Stage 1 between 2000 and 2002.  See the page of information for participants for a description of what the tests involved here.  Stage 1 of the study had a focus on measuring some chronic conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and risk factors (such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol).

Stage 2 of the study was conducted between May 2004 and February 2006.  Just over 90% of participants helped us by completing the telephone and postal questionnaire, and approximately 80% of the cohort returned for their second clinic visit.  This follow up allowed changes in the health status of the community over time to be assessed and the differences explored.  The focus of Stage 2 was expanded to include additional chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease.

Stage 3 of the study will commence in mid to late 2008.

The North West Adelaide Health Study is being conducted by experienced medical and epidemiological researchers. You can read more about them here.

Newsletters

Volume 1 2000

Volume 2 2001

Volume 3 2002

Volume 4 2003

Volume 5 2004

Volume 6 2005

Volume 7 2006