Description of the research activities at the institute

Our research activities reflect the heterogeneity of the institute – as demonstrated in the broad spectrum of specialties which our staff represents.


Suggested readings:
- Epidemiological Studies (nor)
- Northern Area Research (eng)
- Health Services Research (nor)


Themes of interest
The research projects cover wide fields both with regard to topic and methodology; from bio-statistical analyses of large population based epidemiological datasets to consultations in family medicine. The projects constitute a comprehensive study of the epidemiology and prevention of most prevalent chronic diseases in Norway, including investigations of how the health care system treats patients with these diseases.

The Tromsø Study
The research project that clearly represents the most highly profiled activity of the institute throughout its 30 years of history is The Tromsø Study (nor). It consists of longitudinal data of the population of the municipality of Tromsø. Five extensive health surveys have been carried out in the period from 1974 to 2001. While originally focusing on cardiovascular diseases (and thus referred to as The Tromsø Heart Study), the health surveys have expanded to include e.g. osteoporosis, alcohol consumption, mental illnesses, diabetes, lung diseases, gastrointestinal complains and diseases, as well as the use of pharmaceuticals. An ongoing large randomised cardiovascular prevention trial (NORVIT) was based on results from the Tromsø Study. For the studies on new risk indicator in cardiovascular disease, our Cardiovascular Research Group received in 1999 a three-year grant under the infrastructural support programme (miljøstøtte) of the Research Council of Norway.

The Norwegian Women and Cancer Study
Together with the epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases, cancer epidemiology has come to be an important and highly recognised research project in the institute. The Norwegian Women and Cancer study (NOWAC) has expanded and currently involves 14 researchers and technical assistants. Its principal investigator, professor Eiliv Lund, was acknowledged for this research by the receipt of the highly prestigious King Olav Cancer Prize in 2002 – the first time ever that this price was given to a researcher within community medicine.

Environmental medicine
Environmental medicine, based on data from, and collaboration with partners in the North-West of Russia, is a more recent research topic at the institute. We have been responsible for large projects on heavy metal exposure and perinatal problems, as well as the health impacts of the nickel and sulphur dioxide pollution in the Norwegian population living close to the Russian border. The department for general practice is hosting several research projects with a variety of methodological approaches. Their largest externally financed activity is The Programme for Research and Development in Primary Health. Within social psychiatry and health services research, a range of topics are included.