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Fletcher Challenge-University of Auckland Heart & Health Study: design and baseline findings
S MacMahon1, R Norton, R Jackson
1Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Auckland School of Medicine.
Insights
This study investigates sociodemographic and blood factors linked to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in New Zealand. Findings will inform public health strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular epidemiology
- Public health research
- Sociomedical sciences
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) remains a significant public health concern globally and in New Zealand.
- Understanding the interplay of sociodemographic, psychological, and biological factors is crucial for effective CHD prevention strategies.
- Existing research has not comprehensively addressed these determinants within the diverse New Zealand population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the relationship between sociodemographic factors, psychological elements, and blood-based markers with the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD).
- To establish a baseline understanding of CHD risk factors within a large-scale, prospective observational study in New Zealand.
- To provide data for future interventions aimed at reducing CHD incidence in the region.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study design involving 10,529 participants from Auckland, New Zealand.
- Data collection through questionnaires, blood samples, physical examinations, and linkage to national health records.
- Inclusion of diverse sociodemographic groups, including Maori and Pacific Islander populations.
Main Results:
- A response rate of 74% was achieved, with a broad representation of sociodemographic characteristics.
- Significant heterogeneity in CHD risk factors was observed at baseline.
- Prevalence data included: 5% existing CHD, 25% current smokers, 16.7% non-drinkers, 47.6% overweight, 20% with elevated blood pressure, and 16.7% with high cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- This is the first large-scale prospective study examining CHD determinants in New Zealand.
- The study population reflects a wide cross-section of society with varied risk profiles.
- Reliable analyses of primary research questions are anticipated within five years as sufficient CHD events accrue.
Aims:
The aims of this prospective observational study are to determine the relationship of sociodemographic factors, psychological factors and several factors measured in blood, with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in a New Zealand population.
Methods:
Participants were recruited from two sources: employees of the Fletcher Challenge Group and individuals listed on the general electoral roll for the Auckland region. Baseline and follow up risk factor data were obtained from a questionnaire, blood samples and a simple physical examination. Outcome data on deaths and hospitalisations due to coronary heart disease will be obtained primarily through linkage of participant identifiers to data collected nationally by the New Zealand Health Information Service.
Results:
A total of 10,529 individuals agreed to participate (8011 from Fletcher Challenge and 2518 from the electoral roll), representing a response rate of 74%. Within the study population, there was a broad distribution of sociodemographic characteristics including ethnicity-10% of participants were Maori and 5% were of Pacific Islands origin. There was also wide heterogeneity of coronary heart disease risk as judged from the distributions of established risk factors at baseline-5% of participants had evidence of existing coronary heart disease, a quarter were current smokers, a sixth were nondrinkers, almost a half were overweight, a fifth had blood pressure > or = 150/95 mmHg or were receiving antihypertensive treatment and a sixth had cholesterol levels > or = 6.5 mmol/L.
Conclusions:
This is the first, large scale prospective observational study of the determinants of coronary heart disease in a New Zealand population. The study participants represent a broad cross section of society, with wide variation in sociodemographic characteristics and coronary heart disease risk. Initial results concerning the relationships of primary interest should be available within 5 years when sufficient coronary heart disease events have been documented to allow reliable analyses.