Relationship between the achievement of successive periodic health examinations and the risk of dying. Appraisal of a prevention scheme.

Background: In the field of Periodic Health Examination (PHE), few studies brought information on their efficiency, both on morbidity and mortality.

Objective: The association between the reduction of mortality and a regular participation in PHE has been estimated.

Methods: This study concerned 50,116 persons 40-59 years old, of European origin, examined at the Centre of Preventive Medicine, Nancy, France, between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 1985 with a maximum duration of follow-up reaching 25 years.