Center for Digital Narrative

Data Categories

23-01-2026 | Part 2 of 6

Salient data categories visualization
Eight salient data categories from the HUNT Study that provide the richest material for character development and narrative synthesis.

Based on analysis of the HUNT Study's four-decade span (1984-2019), the following categories provide the richest material for character development and plot synthesis. These variables create the scaffolding for believable, data-grounded fictional lives.

Physiological Markers

  • BMI trajectory across life stages
  • Blood pressure evolution
  • Cardiovascular risk factors
  • Diabetes onset and management
  • Physical activity levels
  • Age-related health transitions

Mental Health Dimensions

  • Depression symptom trajectories
  • Anxiety prevalence patterns
  • Self-rated mental health
  • Cognitive function markers
  • Quality of life assessments
  • Stress and wellbeing indicators

Lifestyle Behaviors

  • Smoking history and cessation
  • Alcohol consumption patterns
  • Physical activity routines
  • Sleep quality and duration
  • Dietary habits
  • Leisure activities

Socioeconomic Position

  • Education level attained
  • Income quintile trajectories
  • Employment status changes
  • Social security dependencies
  • Disability pension timing
  • Municipality type (rural/urban)

Social Relationships

  • Marital status transitions
  • Family structure evolution
  • Social network indicators
  • Living arrangements
  • Caregiving responsibilities
  • Community participation

Chronic Conditions

  • Disease onset timing
  • Comorbidity patterns
  • Treatment adherence
  • Symptom severity changes
  • Functional limitations
  • Healthcare utilization

Demographic Foundation

  • Birth cohort (1920s-2000s)
  • Gender and biological sex
  • Geographic location stability
  • Migration patterns
  • Family history markers
  • Genetic proximity clusters

Participation Patterns

  • Survey engagement consistency
  • Health consciousness indicators
  • Response completeness
  • Longitudinal commitment
  • Research participation motivation
  • Community involvement signals