Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (the PERSIAN Cohort Study): Rationale, Objectives, and Design

Hossein Poustchi(Tehran University of Medical Sciences), Sareh Eghtesad(Tehran University of Medical Sciences), Farin Kamangar(Digestive Disease Research Institute), Arash Etemadi(National Cancer Institute), Abbasali Keshtkar, Azita Hekmatdoost(Shahid Beheshti University), Zahra Mohammadi(Tehran University of Medical Sciences), Zahra Mahmoudi(Tehran University of Medical Sciences), Amaneh Shayanrad(Tehran University of Medical Sciences), Farzin Roozafzai(Tehran University of Medical Sciences), Mahdi Sheikh(Tehran University of Medical Sciences), Alireza Jalaeikhoo(Tehran University of Medical Sciences), Mohammad Hossein Somi, Fariborz Mansour‐Ghanaei(University of Guilan), Farid Najafi(Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences), Ehsan Bahramali(Fasa University of Medical Sciences), Amir Houshang Mehrparvar(Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services), Alireza Ansari‐Moghaddam(Zahedan University of Medical Sciences), Ahmadali Enayati(Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences), Ali Esmaeili Nadimi(Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences), Abbas Rezaianzadeh(Shiraz University), Nader Saki(Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences), Fateme Alipour(Farabi Hospital), Roya Kelishadi, Afarin Rahimi‐Movaghar, Nayyereh Aminisani(University of Tabriz), Paolo Boffetta(Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai), Reza Malekzadeh(Digestive Disease Research Institute)
American Journal of Epidemiology
September 1, 2017
10.1093/aje/kwx314
Cited by 717Open Access
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Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 76% of deaths in Iran, and this number is on the rise, in parallel with global rates. Many risk factors associated with NCDs are preventable; however, it is first necessary to conduct observational studies to identify relevant risk factors and the most appropriate approach to controlling them. Iran is a multiethnic country; therefore, in 2014 the Ministry of Health and Medical Education launched a nationwide cohort study-Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN)-in order to identify the most prevalent NCDs among Iran's ethnic groups and to investigate effective methods of prevention. The PERSIAN study consists of 4 population-based cohorts; the adult component (the PERSIAN Cohort Study), described in this article, is a prospective cohort study including 180,000 persons aged 35-70 years from 18 distinct areas of Iran. Upon joining the cohort, participants respond to interviewer-administered questionnaires. Blood, urine, hair, and nail samples are collected and stored. To ensure consistency, centrally purchased equipment is sent to all sites, and the same team trains all personnel. Routine visits and quality assurance/control measures are taken to ensure protocol adherence. Participants are followed for 15 years postenrollment. The PERSIAN study is currently in the enrollment phase; cohort profiles will soon emerge.

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