The objective of this paper is to present the characteristics and methodological procedures used in the study SABE (Health, Well-Being, and Aging). This is a longitudinal study with multiple cohorts, carried out in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, since 2000. Follow-ups are conducted every five years when the new cohort is initiated. The SABE study employed a stratified, multistage sampling design to obtain a representative sample of community-dwelling individuals aged 60 years or more in the city of Sao Paulo. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire and clinical measurements taken by trained and calibrated examiners. The questionnaire included information on socioeconomic and demographic conditions, cognitive function, general health, medication, use and access to health services, oral health, nutrition, social support, functionality and well-being. The baseline study included self-reported oral health measurements, and clinical oral health measures were introduced in 2006.
Oral health; Aging; Longitudinal studies; Epidemiology; Quality of life; Dental care