Health checks & follow-ups

EPIC-Norfolk participants have attended five different health checks since the study started in 1993. The timeline gives an overview of the study phases.

First Health Check (1HC)

Aim: To collect general information on health, diet and anthropometry.
Time period: 1993-1998
Participants seen: 25,639
Participant age range: 39-79

More details on the 1HC

Calibration study

Aim: To enable dietary comparisons between the 10 European countries taking part in EPIC.
Time period: 1997-1998
Participants seen: 547
Participant age range: 40-80

This used a standardised and computerised 24-hour diet recall method (EPICsoft). Weight and height measurements were also taken and 24-hour urine collections made. As this was a Europe-wide study the data was processed and stored at IARC.

Calibration study publications can be found on the nutritional methods publication page.

18 month follow-up

Aim: To obtain repeat questionnaire data and investigate the effect of seasonality on diet.
Time period: 1994-1999 (18 months after 1HC)
Number of participants: 20,514

More details on the 18 month follow-up

Second Health Check (2HC)

Aim: To obtain repeat measurements and to study bone health and body composition.
Time period: 1998-2000
Participants seen: 15,786
Participant age range: 42-82

More details on the 2HC

Third Health Check (3HC)

Aim: To obtain repeat measurements and to study cognition, physical functioning and eye health.
Time period: 2004-2011
Participants seen: 8,623
Participant age range: 48-92

More details on the 3HC

Fourth Health Check (4HC)

Aim: To investigate the levels and patterns of physical activity and to relate this to body composition.
Time period: 2012-2016
Participants seen: 5,696
Participant age range: 55-95

More details on the 4HC

Fifth Health Check (5HC)

Aim: To investigate how health changes as individuals age, and further clarify the factors that influence the ageing process and risk of disease.
Time period: 2016-2018
Participants seen: 2,577
Participant age range: 60-96

More details on the 5HC

Record linkage

EPIC-Norfolk participants continue to be followed through health records linkage.