Conferences

The aim of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) was to improve the information available on the health of the upcoming generation in Germany and to fill gaps in knowledge. This was to be done using a nationwide representative health interview and examination survey of children and adolescents aged 0 to 17 years. From May 2003 to May 2006, 17641 girls and boys took part in the study; along with their parents’ input, they provided a unique pool of information.

Enrolment of study subjects was carried out in two steps: first, 167 study locations (sample points) were chosen; second, subjects were selected from the official registers of residents of the local residents’ registration offices. The percentage of quality-neutral drop-outs was comparatively low (5.3%). The participation was 66.6% of all eligibles and showed only little variation between age groups and sexes. The completeness of data sets was good. The main reasons for non-participation were failure to appear at an agreed appointment time (or cancellation of the appointment at short notice), refusal of the child/adolescent himself, or lack of interest of the parents.

Questionnaire data were obtained on physical health and diseases, mental health and problems, social health and living conditions, lifestyle factors and health behaviour, nutrition, health risks, and health care utilisation. Tests and measurements were taken on anthropometry, perseverance, vision ability, blood pressure, heart rate, motor activity and co-ordination and a sonography of the thyroid gland was done. Blood and urine samples were analysed for micronutrient deficiency (e. g. folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, transferritin), sero-epidemiology of infectious diseases and immunisation status (e. g. hepatitis markers: anti-HAV, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, HbsAG, antibodies against measles, mumps, German measles, herpes, Helicobacter pylori), risk indicators or risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases (e. g. specific IgE, antibodies against respiratory agents, HDL cholesterol, total protein, TSH, fT3, fT4). Retain samples were frozen for future analyses.

An overview of methods and selected topics of health among children and adolescents in Germany will be presented.