ARIC study was initiated in 1985 to examine the major factors contributing to the occurrence of and the trends for cardiovascular diseases among men, women, African Americans and white persons in four U.S. communities: Forsyth County, North Carolina; Jackson, Mississippi; suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Washington County, Maryland. The cohort in Jackson is selected to represent only African American residents of the city. The primary objectives of the study are to: 1) investigate factors associated with both atherosclerosis and clinical cardiovascular diseases and 2) measure occurrence of and trend in coronary heart disease (CHD) and relate them to community levels of risk factors, medical care, and atherosclerosis.
During the last OMB approval period (March 1, 2011 -March 31, 2014) there was a re-examination of cohort participants by clinical exam in 2011-2013 and follow-up contacts occurred twice yearly. This revision does not include a clinical exam and thus represents a decrease in the burden, but does request continued cohort follow-up in the form of telephone calls and continued morbidity and mortality surveillance of the ARIC Cohort and ARIC Communities. Follow-up forms have been reformatted to facilitate automated administration in the data management system.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.