Sampling, recruitment and response rate in the Italian Health Examination Survey (OEC/HES) 2008-2012

Background Italy has a long tradition of cardiovascular surveys. Due to the decline in the participation rates, in the OEC/HES new exams such as bone densitometry were added; more attention was put to select and train the fieldwork staff; possibility to change the appointment was offered. Methods The OEC/HES was conducted in May 2008-July 2012; 220 men and women aged 35-79 years per 1.5 million persons were randomly selected for a …