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Measuring disease frequency in the Marshfield Epidemiologic Study Area (MESA)
1Epidemiology Research Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, USA. greenlee.robert@mcrf.mfldclin.edu
Clinical Medicine & Research
|June 3, 2005
Summary
The Marshfield Epidemiologic Study Area (MESA) provides valuable population health data. MESA helps determine disease frequency and trends, though some estimates may be high without further clinical data validation.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Population Health Research
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- The Marshfield Epidemiologic Study Area (MESA) is a unique population-based resource.
- MESA offers extensive population coverage and health event capture for research.
- It is crucial for determining disease frequency in the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the first decade of MESA's contribution to disease frequency research.
- To report on data and methods used for calculating disease occurrence rates.
- To discuss limitations and alternative methods for MESA estimates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized diagnostic codes and general validation rules for disease occurrence calculations.
- Examined selected chronic diseases as examples for rate determination.
- Reviewed MESA's support for epidemiological inquiry over 10 years.
Main Results:
- MESA publications have frequently reported disease incidence and prevalence rates.
- Occurrence rates derived from MESA data alone appeared somewhat high compared to limited external data.
- Observed temporal trends and demographic relationships were consistent within MESA data.
Conclusions:
- MESA is a significant resource for population-based health research.
- Linking MESA with rich clinical data can improve case ascertainment specificity.
- Further validation is recommended for MESA-derived occurrence rates.