Lifecourse Epidemiology
Associate Professor and Senior Researcher Jennifer L. Baker leads the group “Life Course Epidemiology of Growth and Health" in the Section for Epidemiology. A substantial part of the work in her group uses the data resource of the Copenhagen School Health Records Register which contains measures of height and weight on 405,000 school children born from 1930-1996. Though linkages with national health registers, cohort studies and databases, this resource supports studies examining how childhood body size and growth, alone and in conjunction with adult size, relate to the risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, as well as many other diseases. Another key data resource used by the group is the Infant Health Visitor Records Register which contains information on approximately 95,000 infants born from 1958-1967. Again, through linkages with other data resources Jennifer and her group members investigate how early life growth and nutrition are related to health later in life.
Populationbased Epidemiology, micronutrients and chronic diseases
Monitoring disease and risk factors
Data from the national health examinations are an excellent resource for studying the prevalence of diseases in the population and the extent of different risk factors. Especially, monitoring of risk factors it is necessary to have access to data of biomarker concentrations in blood or urine tests.
In the section we have been particularily interested in micronutrients, such as: Iodine, Vitamin D and table salt. This involves both the monitoring of the consumption by the Danish population and its significance for development of different diseases. We are likewise deeply involved in the monitoring of the Danish iodine enrichment programme (DanThyr) and take part in international collaborations regarding iodine and its importance to the development of metabolism. Furthermore, our research focuses on allergy and functional disorders.
Biomarkers and genetic markers
In Section for Epidemiology we are interested in new biomarkers that can have possible applications in evaluating disease risk or severity. We are therefore currently working with a new biomarker for Vitamin K and have previously worked with biomarkers for diagnosis of celiac disease. We also have active partnerships where our national health data is used to provide better information regarding the specific biomarker levels used in clinics for diagnostic and monitoring purposes. Genetic markers are also a substantial parameter in a large part of the sections research.
The Glostrup Population Studies
The Glostrup Population Studies are population-based cohort studies performed in the Western part of Greater Copenhagen, Denmark, since 1964.
The first cohorts were primarily initiated to investigate the epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases. Since then, other studies and follow-ups have been initiated and the aims and objectives have broadened to encompass the description and analyzes of the health of the general population as well as different heath issues: disease-specific epidemiology, social epidemiology, genetics, aging, lifestyle, and interventions.
For the first cohorts age-stratified random samples of the general population were invited, while for the later cohorts randomly selected participants in age intervals between 15 and 95 were invited. The studies are health examination studies with clinical and biochemical data as well as data from questionnaires and interviews. To date, 37,651 unique individuals have participated in the Glostrup Population Studies, in 15 different cohorts.
If you want to know more about our data or the possibility of collaboration. Please, contact Research coordinator Anja Lykke Madsen or Head of Section for Epidemiology Line Lund Kårhus .
The health examinations are performed in Glostrup by an experienced team of project nurses, secretaries, and research assistants. Actually, The 20 year follow-up of the Inter99 study is ongoing, as well as InterVitaminK and InterDAG.
In April 2024 we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Glostrup Population Studies. One highlight was Torben Jørgensen's inspiring presentation on the history from the birth of the Glostrup Population Studies and up to now. Watch our short teaser video on YouTube for key hightlights or watch the full presentation for details of the project's evolution.
Read the article: Møllehave LT, Madsen AL, Kampmann FB, Bjerregaard AA, Dantoft TM, Leth-Møller KB, Thysen SM, Schovsbo SU, Jacobsen RK, Aadahl M, Osler M, Jørgensen T, Kårhus LL. Cohort Profile Update: The Glostrup Population Studies 1964-2024. Int J Epidemiol 2024;53(3):dyae051
Monitoring Public Health
A research group in the section performs the Danish Capital Region Health Survey, and research centered around these data. Results from these rapports and studies are used to support national public health programmes, especially in the Regions and municipalities.