Clinic visits were performed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months (study close-out) with weekly phone calls for study duration. At the baseline visit, a questionnaire was administered, detailing age, sex, self reported ethnic group, past medical history (number of previous attacks in last 6 months/ ever; previous medication use including use of thiazides, aspirin and salicylates; lifestyle factors including current physical activity, alcohol history including type and quantity of alcohol consumed), family history of gout. A record was made of the number of work days missed due to gout in preceding 6 months; days with reduced family and social activities due to gout in preceding 6 months; number of visits to a health care professional in the 6 months prior; number of urgent health care contacts (phone/ attendance) in 6 months prior; number of hospital admissions in 6 months prior. A gout impact scale questionnaire was performed at baseline and during any self reported flares.