Study of Health in Pomerania

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Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) — a simple overview

SHIP is a population-based health study in northeast Germany and uses two independent groups: SHIP and SHIP-TREND. Researchers look at common risk factors, hidden (subclinical) health problems, and diseases using non-invasive methods.

Who was studied and when
- SHIP-0 enrolled 7,008 adults aged 20–79 from Greifswald, Stralsund, Anklam and nearby communities in West Pomerania.
- SHIP-TREND enrolled 8,016 adults aged 20–79 in the same area.
- SHIP-0 data were collected 1997–2001; SHIP-1 followed up 2002–2006; SHIP-2 began in 2008 and finished in 2012.
- SHIP-TREND baseline examinations occurred between 2008 and 2012.

What the study aims to do
- SHIP-2 looks at how subclinical findings change over time.
- SHIP-TREND compares trends of subclinical and overt diseases with SHIP-0, in a high-risk population.
- SHIP-TREND measures how common subclinical findings are.

What they found in West Pomerania
- The population has many risk factors and diseases. Obesity is more common here than in other parts of Germany.
- Gallstone disease is common, and about 30% have fatty liver (hepatic steatosis).
- High blood pressure and left-sided heart changes are frequent.
- In the broader northeast Germany, about 50–60% of adults show these kinds of health issues.

Whole-body MRI in SHIP
- SHIP is the first population-based study to include whole-body MRI.
- Aims include: estimating how often MRI findings occur in the general adult population; creating MRI reference values for organs (heart chambers, liver, spleen, kidneys, prostate, brain); and linking MRI results with clinical tests, metabolism, and genetics.
- Some men and women can have additional contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI and MR angiography (pregnant women and those with contrast allergies may be excluded from contrast procedures).
- Two radiologists read scans independently; a third reader resolves any disagreements.
- Findings are categorized into four groups. The most serious category IV findings are sent to a clinical specialist; categories II and III are reviewed by an Advisory Board to decide on further testing. Participants are informed of findings and given recommendations.

SHIP-LEGEND
- SHIP-LEGEND studies how genes and life events interact to raise the risk of major depression.
- From 2007–2010, 2,393 people were interviewed about stress and trauma in childhood and adulthood, and diagnosed for current and past mental disorders.
- Participants also completed questionnaires on alexithymia, childhood trauma, depression, resilience, and personality.

Funding
- The study is funded by federal ministries, state authorities, research foundations, and partner organizations.