The HUNT Research Centre is responsible for collecting and providing access to the data resulting from the HUNT Studies. The HUNT Research Centre is part of the Medicine department at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
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HUNT Studies
HUNT is considered one of the most extensive cohort studies ever conducted in any country and is run by the HUNT Research Centre, a department of the Faculty of Medicine at NTNU, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The study includes more than 80% of the population in the county of Nord-Trøndelag (n=130,000). The population is both homogeneous and stable, making it especially suited for epidemiological genetic research. HUNT contains a unique database of personal and family medical histories collected during three intensive studies (HUNT 1, 2 and 3) since 1984. The HUNT Research Centre is divided into a biological repository (HUNT Biobank) and a database made up by more than 5,500 variables (HUNT Databank).
HUNT 1
Carried out in 1984-1986 to establish the health history of 75,000 people. The first of the major health surveys was conducted from 1984 to 1986. All county residents over 20 years were invited to participate in the study. The participants filled out two questionnaires. The main objective was to investigate the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in the population, and to evaluate the quality of treatment for blood pressure patients, people with diabetes, and people with tuberculosis. Blood pressure, height, weight, and X-rays of the chest were collected. HUNT 1 was the first health survey in Nord-Trøndelag. HUNT 1 consisted mainly of four sub-studies whose subjects were blood pressure, diabetes, lung disease and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes, and to evaluate the quality of life in people with high blood pressure, people with diabetes and people with tuberculosis. In this study participants' blood pressure, height and weight were recorded and there were also an x-ray examination. Each participant filled out two questionnaires. In addition, non-fasting blood glucose levels were measured in all participants over 40 years. If the results of this investigation indicated diabetes, the participant was offered a clinical examination as well. Blood samples were not taken in this study. 74,599 people who were 20 years and older participated (88.1%). A comprehensive dropout study was also conducted. At present, the database is a valuable resource for epidemiological research, both in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and quality of life. Studies of cancer and public health have also been performed on this material, and research from HUNT 1 data is still ongoing.
HUNT 2
Carried out in 1995-1997 HUNT 2 was more extensive than HUNT 1, because all residents over 13 years old were invited. HUNT 2 was divided into Adult and YOUNG-HUNT. YOUNG-HUNT involved the 13- to 19-year-old age group and Adult-HUNT involved participants over 20 years old. Blood samples were taken for participants of the Adult HUNT. Overall participation in HUNT 2 was roughly 75,000 people (70% of the overall population). Sixty one percent of the HUNT 2 participants also participated in the HUNT 1 survey. There were several additional studies in Adult-HUNT, including spirometry and benmassemålinger. HUNT 2 was a follow-up of the HUNT 1: the questions and comments regarding high blood pressure, diabetes and quality of life were identical or very similar to the questions in HUNT 1. HUNT 2 was a much larger study, with a larger age range (from 13 years upwards), a wider range of subjects, and that more data were collected for each participant. Approximately 70 000 persons participated in HUNT 2 (about 70% ), of which 45 000 had also participated in the HUNT 1 Clinical monitoring, data processing and quality control was performed after data collection was completed, and from autumn 1998 data files have been available to the research community. Besides the questionnaire data and clinical measurements were in HUNT 2 taken a venous blood sample from all participants of which was 20 years or older (a total of about 65 000), and after preliminary analysis, both serum samples and whole blood samples frozen. These store today at minus 70 °C. Also blood clot is stored in the frozen state. Blood samples are a source of genetic information, and thus has great potential for research in genetic epidemiology, or the relative importance of genetic and environmental causes of disease, for example. in cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, osteoporosis, cancer, headaches, metabolic diseases, etc.
Young-HUNT is the adolescent part of HUNT including participants aged 13–19 years old. Young-HUNT1 (1995–97) was conducted as part of HUNT2. 9141 adolescents participated (90% response rate).
Young-HUNT2
Young-HUNT2 (2000–01) was a follow-up study of Young-HUNT1, 2400 students participated in both studies (77% of the invited).
HUNT 3
The third health survey in Nord-Trøndelag, HUNT 3, was conducted from October 2006 to June 2008. The study was designed in the same manner as HUNT 2, but included several themes. The data wad collected through questionnaires and clinical examinations. In addition genetic material, blood, urine (adults) and cell samples from the mouth (youth) were stored in the HUNT biobank. HUNT 3 used the slogan "A time for better health". All residents in northern Norway 13 years and older were invited to participate. Approximately 105,000 people were invited, and data was collected on roughly 60,000. The overall attendance rate was about 56%, with variations depending on age. It used a survey of 18 different questionnaires based on the survey in HUNT 3. In Young HUNT 3 there was one form similar to the one used in Young HUNT 1. Adult participants filled out a common form called questionnaire 1 (Q1) and they were given questionnaire 2 (Q2) depending on age and gender. In addition, adults could be given one or more of questionnaire 3 (Q3). In addition to this, all adults who met in January 2009 were sent a small questionnaire with some key health and lifestyle variables. For adults measurements of height, weight, waist circumference, hip width, blood pressure and pulse were collected as well as bone mass and spirometry measurements. Adults were interviewed about occupation (occupational classification) and health related occupational exposure, and women were interviewed about issues related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. People in the Young-HUNT steady had height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and spirometry measured. Biological material collected in HUNT 3 included blood for adults (5 glasses of varying quality), urine test (fresh or frozen) and cheek swabs for the youth. Collection of biological material was the largest investment in new HUNT 3, resulting in biobank of high international standard. As many as 75% of the HUNT 3 participants were also screened in the HUNT 2 survey.
Young-HUNT3 (2006–08) was a new cross-sectional study as part of HUNT3. This time 8677 adolescents participated (87% response rate). Data collection included self-reported questionnaires, structured interviews, clinical measurements and, in Young-HUNT3, buccal smears.
Access to HUNT
Any institution with research skills can apply for permission to analyze HUNT data. Each project must be approved by the Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics ( REK ). If data from sources that are not regulated by the Health Research Act are used, the project must also be reported to the Privacy Ombudsman for Research (NSD).
The project manager should be familiar with the HUNT database and select the relevant variables. The completed application form must be sent to the HUNT Research Centre.