Risk factor prevalence study, 1983

This study is the second in a series of nationwide studies of the prevalence of risk factors for ischaemic heart disease conducted in Australian state capital cities. The aims of the study are to determine the prevalence of risk factors in the population, to compare factors between different regions and groups, and to assess the degree to which trends in cardiovascular disease mortality are associated with changes in risk factor prevalence.

Details of diet, medication and alcohol consumption were collected, and risk factors including raised blood lipid levels, raised blood pressure, cigarette smoking, being overweight, physical activity and inactivity and psychological stress were canvassed. Background variables included sex, age, marital status, birthplace, education and occupation.