Longitudinal study of health, disease and access to care in rural Victoria: The Crossroads-II study: Methods

This paper describes the design of a cross-sectional, population health study that will examine changes in the prevalence of key chronic health conditions, including the extent of undiagnosed and undermanaged disease, and associations with access to care, over a 15-year period in rural Victoria, Australia. The study will comprise a face-to-face survey of 3600 randomly selected households across four towns, with one adult participant from each household randomly selected to attend a clinic visit. Clinic visits will involve several medical tests, including lung function testing performed using a calibrated Vitalograph Micro handheld spirometer in conjunction with Vitalograph Safe-T-Way disposable mouthpieces and Vitalograph nose clips.