Cohort Follow-up and Data Base Maintenance

核心A负责护士健康研究的队列随访和数据库维护。这一核心的具体目标如下： 1)制定并向队列参与者邮寄两年一次的后续调查问卷 2)处理退回的调查问卷并核实答复 3)汇编接触数据数据库 4)跟踪丢失的参与者并维护更新的姓名和地址文件 5)保持高队列参与率 在Diane Feskanich，ScD的指导下，核心A开发和设计了研究参与者两年一次的随访问卷。调查问卷设计通过双周会议纳入了所有计划项目研究者以及其他合作研究者的意见。对新问题进行了试点测试，并改进了后续方法，以满足群组成员的需求。对返回的问卷进行检查，以确保其完整性，并进行光学扫描和错误验证。在每个后续周期中，共收回80 000多份问卷。核心A使用一系列方法来跟踪参与者，并保持90%的高响应率。退回的调查表以数字方式成像并存储在DVD上，可方便地从中检索。将调查问卷中的暴露数据编入数据库，并导出和记录变量，供研究人员使用。这包括维持从问卷的食物频率部分得出的营养摄入量。将问卷上报告的疾病传递给核心B进行确认。

Core A is responsible for cohort follow-up and database maintenance in the Nurses' Health Study. The specific aims for this core are as follows: 1) Develop and mail biennial follow-up questionnaires to cohort participants 2) Process returned questionnaires and verify responses 3) Compile databases of exposure data 4) Trace lost participants and maintain an updated name and address file 5) Sustain high cohort participation Under the direction of Diane Feskanich, ScD, Core A develops and designs the questionnaire for biennial follow-up of study participants. Questionnaire design incorporates input from all investigators on the Program Project, as well as other collaborating investigators, through bi-weekly meetings. New questions are pilot tested and follow-up methods are refined to address the needs of the cohort members. Returned questionnaires are checked for completeness, optically scanned, and verified for errors. Over 80,000 questionnaires are returned in every follow-up cycle. Core A uses a range of methods to trace participants and to maintain a high 90% response rate. Returned questionnaires are digitally imaged and stored on DVD, from which they are easily retrievable. Exposure data from the questionnaires are complied into databases and variables are derived and documented for use by investigators. This includes maintenance of nutrient intakes derived from the food frequency portion of the questionnaire. Diseases reported on the questionnaires are passed to Core B for confirmation.