We work on population-based studies concerning chronic diseases and their risk factors, with a focus on gender and socioeconomic differences. We address research questions related to the occurrence, longitudinal trends, causes, consequences, and interventions of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, mental distress and disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders. We aim to contribute to the prevention and management of these diseases.
Data from The Tromsø Study forms the basis for most of our research work. The purpose of the Tromsø Study was originally to identify the causes of the high cardiovascular disease mortality rate in North Norway but has later been expanded to cover many other diseases. The Study has been designed as repeated health studies of large parts of the municipal population. In total, seven Tromsø Studies have been completed between 1974 and 2016.
Many of our Ph.D. projects and other research projects are carried out in collaboration with the University Hospital of North Norway and the Northern Norway Regional Health Authority (Helse Nord RHF). We also take part in several national and international collaboration projects.