Population Screening Act: The second round of The Maastricht Study

Maastricht UMC+ has applied for a permit to carry out follow-up measurements among participants of The Maastricht Study. The Maastricht Study is an observational population-based cohort study that focuses on type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions. Enrollment started in 2010. Participants underwent measurements and filled out questionnaires. The aim of the follow-up round is to collect data on changes in health status and disease progression among the participants. At the request of the State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS), the Population Screening Committee of the Health Council of the Netherlands has examined whether the permit application complies with the requirements of the Population Screening Act. The Committee concludes that the proposed research is scientifically valid and that the benefit-risk ratio is favourable. The Committee advises the State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport to grant the permit for a period of four years, subject to conditions that mainly concern textual adjustments in the information letter and the consent and withdrawal form.