Agata Wojciechowska, Ph.D.

experience, competence, research

Conducting population-based research covering a wide population of a selected city – with the example of SOPKARD, the Sopot Heart Infarct and Cerebral Stroke Prevention Program directed initially (1999-2009) to all residents of Sopot, aged 40-69, and to young people of Sopot schools in a later stage. The first part of the project involved both assessing the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and implementing an intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk in the general population.

Conducting the study included:

• preparation of the project model and designation of the study group
• defining the purpose of the project
• establishing cooperation with city authorities and possible sponsors
• employment and training of personnel
• purchase of appropriate equipment, in accordance with the recommendations of scientific societies
• coordination and financial support of the project
• cooperation with doctors, teachers and decision makers in the city
• database development, analysis of statistical data and creation of recommendations based on the obtained data
• assessing the effect of interventions in sample surveys