Long-lasting high quality epidemiological survey

Contact information

Department of Epidemiology and Public Health,Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University

Address
3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, 812-8582, Japan
Phone
+81 92 642 6151
FAX
+81 92 642 4854
E-mail
info_eph@hisayamalife.or.jp

Introduction of the Hisayama Study

Figure 1. Location and population of Hisayama Figure 2. Age distributions of the Hisayama residents and all Japan

The Hisayama Study is a population-based prospective cohort study that has been conducted in the town of Hisayama, Japan since 1961.
The town of Hisayama is a typical rural area adjacent to Fukuoka City in Japan (Figure 1).

The reasons why the town of Hisayama were selected for this study were as follows:

  • 1) The residents of Hisayama have almost the same age and occupational distribution as the national average (Figure 2), making it a representative sample for the typical Japanese population.
  • 2) The town of Hisayama is located within 10 miles from Kyushu University, allowing us to keep close communications with residents.
  • 3) Variations of the town’s population have been small, enabling a follow-up survey with a low rate of loss to follow-up.
  • 4) The mayor and general practitioners in this town have been strongly supportive of the epidemiological research to improve the health condition of residents.