Cohort Profile: The Precipitating Events Project (PEP Study)

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Epidemiology
• Longitudinal Studies

Background:

• The Precipitating Events Project (PEP Study) is a longitudinal study initiated in 1998.
• It focuses on 754 community-living individuals aged 70 and older.
• The study aims to understand the epidemiology of disability in older populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To rigorously evaluate the epidemiology of disability in older persons.
• To elucidate the role of intervening illnesses and injuries on the disabling process.
• To provide data for research on aging, frailty, and end-of-life care.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study design with comprehensive home-based assessments every 18 months.
• Monthly phone interviews with a 99% completion rate.
• Annual data collection on healthcare utilization via Medicare claims linkage.

Main Results:

• Data collected from March 1998 to June 2019.
• High participant retention with 99% phone interview completion.
• Extensive data available for 754 initially enrolled participants, with 702 deaths recorded.

Conclusions:

• The PEP Study provides a rich dataset for investigating the aging process and disability.
• Published research spans multiple high-priority areas including frailty, pain, and end-of-life.
• The study welcomes proposals for data access from qualified investigators.