[Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey - Follow-up (KNHANES-F) Survey Items and Implementation Plan].

Objectives: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) is a nationally representative health survey with significant impact on policy and public health. To maximize its impact, a follow-up survey (KNHANES-F) is required to analyze long-term health trends and disease causality. This study is performed with intent to establish a survey system follow-up to KNHANES, and to develop survey items and implementation strategies for effective operations. Methods: Survey items and implementation plans were developed through a literature review, expert consultations, and institutional discussions. Results: The KNHANES-F conducts both passive follow-up through linking to secondary data, and active follow-up via direct surveys. Participants from the 10th KNHANES (2025-2027) will be recruited over a three-year period, and follow-up surveys will be conducted annually starting in 2026 after the 2025 baseline survey to track long-term health changes for more than a decade. The target population, aged 10-59 years, will be divided into children (102 items), adolescents (317 items), and adults (386 items), and questionnaires will be tailored to reflect age-specific characteristics. The primary data collection method will be online self-administered surveys, with core items assessed annually, and supplementary modules conducted every three years. Strategies to maintain follow-up rates include establishing dedicated communication channels, offering participant incentives, and implementing dropout prevention measures. Conclusions: This study will establish a foundation for the KNHANES-F, enabling long-term analysis of health behaviors, chronic disease incidence, and policy efficacy, with the ultimate aim of contributing to public health promotion, disease prevention, and evidence-based policymaking.