The PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS)

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Disease Research

Background:

• The Guilan cohort study is part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN).
• It aims to investigate health and lifestyle factors in a large population sample in northern Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of key metabolic risk factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Guilan province.
• To establish a comprehensive dataset for future research on cardiovascular diseases and other NCDs.

Main Methods:

• A population-based cohort study involving 10,520 men and women aged 35-70.
• Data collection included demographic, socio-economic, lifestyle, and clinical measurements (blood pressure, anthropometrics).
• Biological samples were collected for further laboratory and genetic analysis.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of hypertension (43.2%), obesity (32.7%), and diabetes (24.1%) was observed.
• Obesity was more prevalent in females (77.1% of obese individuals).
• Hematuria was present in 34.1% of participants, predominantly women (60%).

Conclusions:

• The study reveals a high burden of metabolic risk factors, particularly hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, in Guilan province.
• These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate cardiovascular disease risk.
• The large sample size and population-based design provide a strong foundation for in-depth epidemiological research.