[Comparative evaluation of mortality and incidence of ischemic heart disease among participants and non-participants in a population study].

The groups of participants (5946 males) and nonparticipants (2626 males) in a population study, carried out in Kaunas, were compared on the basis of a 4.5-year follow-up, making use of the acute myocardial infarction register and the mortality register. The total mortality rate, as well as the rates of mortality due to cardiovascular diseases, traumas and accidents were higher in nonparticipants, as compared to the participants. The detectability of recent coronary disease was also higher among those who refused to participate in the study: 5.46 vs. 4.41, respectively, per 1000 people per year (p less than 0.05). It is demonstrated that particular attention must be paid to individuals avoiding preventive screening programs.