Collected Dataset / NAS_HSB11

The study panel consists of 2280 initially healthy men who were enrolled between 1961 and 1970 in the Boston area, and aged 21 to 81 years.

Mail surveys on smoking and drinking behaviors were begun in 1973 and continued at irregular intervals. Beginning in 1978, information on tobacco consumption (primarily smoking) has been obtained by interview at the time of the medical exam. In 1982, 1991, and 1996, follow-up surveys on drinking were conducted. From 1983 to 1993, information on alcohol consumption and on health effects of drinking was obtained by interview at the time of the medical exam. Starting in 1994, this information was collected by mail as part of the Health and Social Behavior survey.

In 1984, the Jenkins Activity Survey was administered by mail. Since 1987, diet has been assessed by means of a questionnaire mailed to men the month before their scheduled biomedical exam.

The Health and Social Behavior survey also includes a number of measures related to health behaviors. It has been administered by mail since 1987 to men in the month before they report for their physical exam.