Rheumatic fever in New Zealand: the Waiora College survey design and response rate.

The outline organisation of a health survey of a secondary school is presented. The aims of the survey were primarilary to provide population data on rheumatic fever in a high incidence area, and to further knowledge of the distribution of risk factors for coronary heart disease in New Zealand adolescents. Ninety-six and a half percent coverage of the target group was achieved; non-responders were characterised from hospital and school records as being predominantly rural with greater early childhood hospital experience than respondents. The sample was considered to be representative of the adolescent population of the area.