PRIME was based on a common protocol that was strictly applied in both Northern Ireland and France in a large sample of middle aged men who were broadly representative of their respective background populations. In addition, a very high follow-up was achieved over 10 years, with only approximately 5% attrition from the cohort. Patterns of alcohol consumption (volume, binge drinking, and types of drink) at inclusion were similar among men who dropped out to in men who were still under our surveillance. Uniform validation of coronary heart disease outcomes was based on previously established WHO MONICA criteria. Furthermore, data relating to all suspected events were examined by the same ad hoc medical committee. A code was assigned to each event according to a standardised protocol.
