Association Between Insulin Resistance Indices and Liver Function Parameters Among Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) status changes the association between insulin resistance (IR) indices and liver function parameters among women.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, population-based study. We selected 1101 subjects aged ≥20 years from participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). All of them had known the status of PCOS, and all variables were related to the IR indices and liver function parameters. The main outcome measures were TG/HDL-C and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) and liver function parameters (hepatic steatosis index [HSI], alanine transaminase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]).

RESULT

In the present study, there was no significant difference between the PCOS and the non-PCOS regarding the presence of liver function abnormalities. A model adjusted by age and BMI showed that the upper tertile of TyG index was positively associated with high AST (OR = 3.04 [95% CI: 1.20-7.68], p < 0.05), high ALT (4.76 [3.07-7.36], p < 0.05) and high HSI (8.44 [1.82-39.17], p < 0.05). Although the history of diabetes had a positive impact on elevated AST (1.66 [1.15, 2.40], p < 0.05), the third tertile of TG/HDL-C was associated with increased odds of elevated ALT (3.35 [2.21-5.06]) and HSI (6.55 [1.17-36.46]), whereas the second tertile of TG/HDL-C (OR = 2.65, CI 95%: 1.74-4.03) was also positively associated with elevated ALT. PCOS had no significant association with elevated liver function tests.

CONCLUSION

The highest tertile of TyG index and the TG/HDL-C ratio as a surrogate of IR might play a role in detecting abnormalities of liver function parameters among women. However, PCOS status cannot change the association between IR and liver dysfunction.

Prevalence and metabolic determinants of abnormal alanine aminotransferase: A cross-sectional study of Iranian adults, 2018-2022

BACKGROUND

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme whose activity became the principal biomarker for liver disease. In the current study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal ALT, as a surrogate of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its associated determinants using different criteria among Tehranian subjects between 2018 and 2022.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study on 5676 Tehranian individuals aged 20-70 years. The weighted prevalence of abnormal ALT was calculated using both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States (US-NHANCE; ALT ≥30 U/L for females and ≥40 U/L for males) and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) guideline (ALT >25 U/L for females, and >33 U/L for males) thresholds. Moreover, uni/multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to find the determinants of abnormal ALT.

RESULTS

The weighted prevalence of abnormal ALT was 12.8% (7.6% females and 18% males) and 22.5% (17.7% females and 27.3% males) based on US-NHANCE and ACG criteria, respectively. Our results showed every decade increase in age decreased the risk of abnormal ALT by 32%. We also found that generally male gender, being overweight/obese, central adiposity, TG ≥6.9 mmol/L, non-HDL-C ≥3.37 mmol/L, lipid-lowering medications, pre-diabetes/T2DM were associated with abnormal ALT using different cutoff points. Moreover, among men resting tachycardia (≥90 beats per min), hypertension, and females past-smoker were also found as other determinants of abnormal ALT.

CONCLUSION

High prevalence of abnormal ALT among non-elderly Iranian adults, especially among men, necessitates immediate multifaceted strategies by policymakers to prevent potential complications caused by NAFLD.

The association between arterial hypertension and menarcheal age

OBJECTIVE

Menarche, as a milestone of puberty, may have a long-term effect on health. The present study investigated the association of age at menarche with the incidence of arterial hypertension.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 4747 post-menarcheal participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study who met the eligibility criteria were selected. Demographic, lifestyle, reproductive, and anthropometric data, as well as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, were collected. Participants were classified according to their age at menarche: group I: ≤11 years, group II: 12-15 years, and group III: ≥16 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the associations between age at menarche and arterial hypertension outcomes. The generalized estimating equation models were used to compare the trend of changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the three groups.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants at baseline was 33.9 (13.0). At the end of the study, 1261 (26.6 %) participants had arterial hypertension. Women in group III had a 2.04-fold higher risk of arterial hypertension than those in group II. The mean changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 29 % (95 % CI: 0.02-0.57) and 16 % (95 % CI: 0.00-0.38) higher for women in group III compared with group II.

CONCLUSIONS

Late menarche could be a risk factor for arterial hypertension, so it is necessary to pay more attention to age at menarche in cardiovascular risk assessment programs.

Active and Passive Smoking in Adults Undergoing a Long-Term Multi-Setting Healthy Lifestyle Education: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

We aimed to investigate the effects of a multi-setting lifestyle education on men's cigarette, hookah, and passive smoking, and women's passive smoking, in Iran. Data of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) were used. TLGS started in 1999 with every-3-year follow-ups. Multi-stage cluster random sampling was used to recruit participants under the coverage of three health centers. One health center implemented multi-setting lifestyle education at school, family, and community setting. Our analytic sample for generalized estimating equation was restricted to 1322 and 3593 adults (respectively as intervention and control) who were followed for 15.8 years. Intervention reduced the odds of men's cigarette smoking by 27%. The estimated mean cigarettes/day was 1.58 lower in intervention men. The intervention reduced the odds of men's hookah use by 42% in short term. Intervention women had 33% lower odds of passive smoking. Lifestyle education with community outreach can help achieve pragmatic tobacco control goals.

The Long-Term Effectiveness of a Multisetting Lifestyle Intervention on Tobacco-Related Habits in Adolescent Boys and Girls: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

BACKGROUND

This study assesses the long-term effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention on cigarette, passive, and hookah smoking in adolescent boys and girls.

METHODS

One thousand one hundred and fifty-nine adolescent participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) (2001-2004) were followed for 12 years. Participants in the intervention area received lifestyle interventions in family, schools, and community settings, with the largest part implemented in schools. After excluding those with missing baseline parental data (n = 66), complete parental data of 1093 adolescents was used for cluster analysis. Families were classified as low- and high-risk. Two hundred and ninety-six individuals who did not complete intervention/follow-ups were excluded, GEE was performed on 797 adolescents (369 boys, 192 intervention) to assess the intervention effect on tobacco-related habits.

RESULTS

Adolescents' mean baseline age was 15.21 ± 1.95. Those living in high-risk families were more at risk of cigarette, passive, and hookah smoking. Intervention decreased odds of cigarette and passive smoking by 38% and 57%, respectively. Intervention did not reduce hookah smoking in adolescents. After sex-specific analysis, the intervention reduced current cigarette smoking by 40% only in boys and passive smoking in both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeting lifestyle behaviors in school-aged adolescents and their families reduces cigarette smoking in boys and protects both sexes from secondhand smoke.

Sex Differences in Cumulative Exposure to Metabolic Risk Factors Before Hypertension Onset: The Cohort of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Background

Previous studies have shown a sex difference in the association between hypertension and cardiovascular disease; however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. Because there are strong associations between metabolic risk factors (MRFs) and hypertension, a sex‐specific analysis of MRFs before hypertension onset could offer new insights and expand our understanding of sex differences in cardiovascular disease. We evaluated cumulative exposure to major MRFs and rate of change of those factors, including body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol among individuals who did and did not develop hypertension at follow‐up.

Methods and Results

We included 5374 participants (2191 men) initially without hypertension with age range of 20–50 years at baseline who participated in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, and had been examined at least 3 times during the study period (1999–2018). In both sexes, the cumulative exposure to all MRFs (except for fasting plasma glucose and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in men) were higher in those who developed hypertension, compared with those who did not develop hypertension. However, women experienced greater cumulative exposure to major MRFs, compared with their male counterparts. Also, they experienced a faster increase in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol than men. Furthermore, rapid increase in systolic blood pressure began earlier in women than men, at the age of 30 years. We also found that those men who developed hypertension experienced unfavorable change in major MRFs during young adulthood (<50 years of age).

Conclusions

Women exhibited more metabolic disturbances than men before onset of hypertension, which may explain the stronger impact of hypertension for major types of cardiovascular disease in women, compared with men.

Impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome on Silent Coronary Artery Disease and Cardiovascular Events; A Long-term Population-based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The existing data regarding the impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) are conflicting.

AIM

To explore the effect of PCOS status on the occurrence of silent coronary artery disease (CAD)/CVD.

METHODS

A total of 1591 women without CVD at baseline, aged 18-45 years, including 356 PCOS patients (defined by the Rotterdam criteria) and 1235 eumenorrheic non-hirsute women without polycystic ovarian morphology (controls), were selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). The median follow-up was 15.4 years, and most participants were in their late reproductive years at the end of the study. Silent CAD and CVD outcomes in PCOS and control groups were compared according to the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and cumulative hazard functions.

RESULTS

There was no difference in CVD risk factors between the PCOS and control groups. After controlling for confounders, PCOS status did not increase the risk of silent CAD (HR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.86-1.08). Regardless of PCOS status, women with a history of silent CAD showed 2.25 times higher CVD events than those without this history (95% CI 1.63-3.10). PCOS status reduced the CVD incidence by 42%, independently of silent CAD or traditional risk factors (HR: 0.58, 95% CI 0.35-0.98).

CONCLUSIONS

Whereas silent CAD, regardless of PCOS, accelerated CVD, PCOS preserved it, most likely due to a combination of protective factors, including the endocrine pattern in the late reproductive period, environmental/social elements, and recruiting additional counseling and lifestyle modifications.

The Role of Metabolic Syndrome and its Components in Incident Fracture: A 15-Year Follow-Up Among the Iranian Population

CONTEXT

The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the risk of fracture is a matter of debate.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to determine the impact of MetS and its components on the risk of hospitalized fractures, during a median follow-up of 15.9 years.

METHODS

A total of 7,520 participants (4,068 women) 30 years or older entered the study. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression were applied for data analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MetS was 40.0% and 40.4% in men and women, respectively. During the follow-up, hospitalized fracture was observed in 305 cases (men = 152). The multivariable hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of MetS for incident fracture for men and women was 0.72 (0.49-1.05, P = .08) and 1.38 (0.96-1.98, P = .08), respectively. In the fully adjusted model, high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) among men tended to be associated with a lower risk of fracture [0.67 (0.44-1.02, P = .06)]; among women, high waist circumference (WC) was associated with a greater risk [2.40 (1.55-3.73)]. Among the population 50 years and older in the pooled sample, MetS was not accompanied by the risk of fracture, but high WC was associated with a higher risk [1.58 (1.07-2.33)]. For incident hip/pelvic fracture, abdominal obesity-but not MetS per se-was also a strong and independent risk factor.

CONCLUSION

A significant sex difference in the association between MetS and its components with incident fracture was observed. Women with central adiposity were at increased risk of hospitalized fracture, whereas men with high FPG were at decreased risk.

The Cigarette Smoking Initiation and Continuation in Adolescents Undergoing a Long-Term Behavioral Intervention

INTRODUCTION

Targeting adolescents' smoking reduces its burden on health systems. We investigated the effects of the first multidisciplinary community-based lifestyle intervention in the Eastern Mediterranean region, on smoking initiation, continuation, and risk of current smoking in Iranian adolescents.

METHODS

The current analyses were conducted on 945 nonsmoker adolescents (12-18 years) who participated in Phase II of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) and were examined four times in 12 years. The lifestyle intervention including school-based and public programs was implemented, focusing on all components of healthy lifestyle. Using a two-step cluster analysis, families were classified as high and low risk, based on parental risk factors of adolescents' smoking. Participants who failed to complete all the follow-ups (n = 99) and those with missing smoking data were excluded. Subsequently, 872 adolescents (538 control, 334 intervention) were included in the Cox model on smoking initiation, and 674 adolescents (414 control, 260 intervention) were included in the logistic regression on smoking status.

RESULTS

Mean age of adolescents was 15.08 ± 1.94 years at baseline. The hazard of the smoking initiation was significantly lower in the intervention (hazard ratio = 0.71, 95% confidence interval: 0.51-0.99; p = .044) compared with control group. At the end of the fourth follow-up, intervention reduced the odds of current cigarette smoking by 29%. Within the intervention group, the high-risk cluster was at a 35% lower risk of initiating smoking and had 37% lower odds of becoming a current smoker. However, the intervention could not make a difference in preventing those who initiated smoking from maintaining it during the follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that lifestyle modification programs targeting at-risk populations could reduce risk of smoking initiation and current smoking in adolescents in long term.

IMPLICATIONS

Experiencing cigarette smoking at the critical period of adolescence could result in adulthood habitual smoking. Therefore, identifying adolescents who are more at risk of smoking initiation and implementing targeted interventions are of great importance in public health. Our findings highlight the long-term effectiveness of a multidisciplinary community-based behavioral intervention on forming smoking behaviors in adolescents. The current intervention was successful in reducing smoking uptake in adolescents living in high-risk families.

Impact of secondhand smoke exposure in former smokers on their subsequent risk of coronary heart disease: evidence from the population-based cohort of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

OBJECTIVES

Cigarette smoking is an established, strong, and modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). However, little research has investigated CHD risk in former smokers who continue to be exposed to others’ cigarette smoke (former & secondhand smokers).

METHODS

In the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, a prospective population-based cohort (n=20,069) was followed up for a median period of 14.6 years. A subset of 8,050 participants of 30 years of age and older was analyzed, with first CHD events as the study outcome. Participants were categorized as never, former, current, secondhand, and former & secondhand smokers. Data on smoking intensity (cigarette/d) were also collected. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied to estimate the risk of CHD, taking into account the main potential confounders.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 46.10 ±11.38 years, and they experienced 1,118 first CHD events (with most CHD cases in former smokers) during the follow-up period. The risk of CHD was highest in current smokers, followed in order by former & secondhand, former, and secondhand smokers (hazard ratio [HR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65 to 2.39; HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.08; HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.72; HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.51, respectively), compared to never smokers. The risk of CHD increased with smoking intensity, which has been proposed as a preferable measure of smoking, indicating a dose-response pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

The elevated risk of CHD in former & secondhand smokers was a noteworthy finding, with possible implications for health policy; however, further research is needed.

Sex-specific initiation rates of tobacco smoking and its determinants among adults from a Middle Eastern population: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the initiation rate and determinants of tobacco smoking among adults.

METHODS

In the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, a population-based cohort from Iran, 6101 participants ≥ 18 years old who had never smoked tobacco at baseline (phase II: 2002-2006) were followed until phase VI (2015-2018). Sex-specific initiation rates per 1000 person-years for self-reported tobacco smoking and hazard ratios (HR) for its potential determinants (using Cox proportional hazards models) were calculated.

RESULTS

The age- and sex-adjusted smoking initiation rate was 13.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.59-14.94] per 1000 person-years, of which 78% was attributed to water pipe use. Initiation rate was remarkably higher among men [19.1 (16.9-21.2)] than women [8.3 (7.4-9.2)] and declined in older age-groups. Among both genders, being married was protective [men: HR 0.67 (CI 95% 0.48-0.92); women: 0.58 (0.45-0.74)], while intermediate-level education (compared with high level) [men: 1.61 (1.14-2.26); women: 1.33 (0.95-1.84, p value = 0.092)] and passive smoking [men: 1.76 (1.36-2.28); women: 1.82 (1.42-2.33)] increased the risk. Educational intervention decreased the risk among women [0.74 (0.58-0.94)].

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of adult smoking initiators started smoking with water pipe. The initiation rate was remarkably higher in men and younger age-groups. Passive smoking, being single and lower education were risk factors. Educational intervention was protective among women.

Smoking habits and incidence of cardiovascular diseases in men and women: findings of a 12 year follow up among an urban Eastern-Mediterranean population

BACKGROUND

Despite the strong association of smoking with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cerebral stroke, the consequences of smoking have not been elucidated among Iranian populations. This study aimed to assess sex-specific incidence of CVDs among an urban Iranian population with different smoking habits.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS). Data on socio-demographic features and smoking habits from a sample of 10,400 individuals (4378 men and 6022 women), aged ≥20 years without prior CVD history were analyzed. Participants were followed up for 12 years for incidence of CVD/CHD events. Men were categorized in six groups, including never-, passive, ex-, passive and ex-, occasional and daily smokers. Women were categorized in three groups, i.e. never smokers, passive smokers and ever smokers. Using cox regression model, adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of incident CVD/CHD were calculated for each group, given never smokers as the reference.

RESULTS

In men, HR of CVD was 1.13 (95%CI: 0.80-1.59) in passive smokers, 1.23 (95%CI: 0.91-1.66) in ex-smokers, 1.46 (95%CI: 0.90-2.36) in passive and ex-smokers, 2.33 (95%CI: 1.25-4.33) in occasional smokers and 2.05 (95%CI: 1.57-2.67) in daily smokers. In smokers of ≥21 cigarettes/day, HR of CVD was 3.79 (95%CI: 2.25-6.37), with less risk observed in those who smoked lesser numbers of cigarettes/day. Quitters of ≥15 years were almost risk free. In women, none of the HRs of CVD/CHD were significant.

CONCLUSION

An increased risk of incidence of CVD/CHD was found in current male smokers. To confirm and further elaborate these findings, more data of sex-specific studies are required from culturally diverse urban and rural areas of Iran.

Reference Values for Serum Lipid Profiles in Iranian Adults: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

BACKGROUND

Lipid abnormalities are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. In addition to age and sex, other variables can affect serum lipid levels, warranting the determination of population-specific reference values. This study aimed to determine age- and sex-specific reference values for serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) in healthy Tehranian adults.

METHODS

TC, TG, and HDL-C were measured using the enzymatic colorimetric method and the Friedewald equation (LDL-C = TC - HDL-C - TG/5) was used to calculate LDL-C concentrations in individuals with TG <400 mg/dL. After applying the exclusion criteria, 1147 participants (548 men and 599 women) aged ≥20 years were included. For determining reference values, the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry guidelines (non-parametric method) and the robust method were used for sample sizes ≥120 and <120, respectively.

RESULTS

Reference values for serum TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG were 121.0-261.0, 54.1-175.2, 30.9-71.9, and 46.9-301.2 mg/ dL in men and 117.8-235.9, 49.9-160.9, 36.0-83.9, and 38.1-184.2 mg/dL in women, respectively. All parameters except HDL-C were higher in men than women and showed an increasing trend with age.

CONCLUSION

Reference values for serum TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG in healthy Tehranian adults were determined, and these values could provide the basis for better decision making in both prevention and clinical settings.

Tobacco Smoking: Findings from 20 Years of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

CONTEXT

Smoking is a global public health priority and accurate data of the local population is essential to improve the health policies against its use. Hence, this study aimed to summarize the important findings available on the prevalence of smoking and its association with non-communicable diseases, documented by one of the largest prospective community-based studies of Iran.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

All articles derived from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) in the last two decades, from the earliest publications until 30 January 2018 were reviewed for their findings on tobacco smoking.

RESULTS

The prevalence of smoking in non-diabetic adults ≥ 20 years increased between baseline (phase I, 1999 - 2001) and follow-up (phase V, 2008 - 2011) from 25.5% to 35.4% among men and from 3.4% to 6.8% among women. In TLGS adolescents (10 - 18 years) water pipe use increased between 2003 and 2005 from 35.5% to 40.9% among boys and from 19.7% to 26.1% among girls. Regarding health hazards, smoking in men was associated with increased risk of combined impaired fasting glucose/impaired glucose tolerance [hazard ratio (HR) 1.69; confidence interval (CI) 95% 1.15 - 2.48] and hypertension (HR 1.26; CI 95% 0.98 - 1.63). Moreover, men, even smoking less than 10 cigarettes per day, were at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases by HR 2.12 (CI 95% 1.14 - 3.95). For women, the risk of chronic kidney disease dramatically increased 5.74-fold (CI 95% 2.71 - 12.15) among smokers. In the whole population, smoking contributed to 7.7% of all-cause mortality with HR 1.75 (CI 95% 1.38 - 2.22). Other health aspects of tobacco smoke, including its impact on metabolic status, thyroid function, female reproductive system and life style have also been reviewed.

CONCLUSION

Considering hazards of smoking, there is the urgency for more effective preventive measures in Iran; emphasizing the need for further local studies on the hazards of smoking with special attention to women and adolescents and the independent hazards of water pipe use.

The Nitrate-Nitrite-Nitric Oxide Pathway: Findings from 20 Years of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

CONTEXT

We describe here the contributions of the Tehran lipid and glucose study (TLGS) to understanding different aspects of the nitrate (NO3)-nitrite (NO2)-nitric oxide (NO) pathway in health and disease.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

All English-language documents from the TLGS, focused on NO pathway were searched using the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases.

RESULTS

Reference values of serum concentrations of NO metabolites (nitrate+nitrite or NOx) were 11.5 - 76.4, 10.1 - 65.6, and 10.3 - 66.8 μmol/L in men, women, and the total population, respectively. Circulating NOx was affected by age, smoking habits, menopause status, thyroid hormones, and various pathologic conditions. Elevated serum NOx was related to increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (odds ratio (OR) = 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19 - 2.59), hypertriglyceridemic-waist phenotype (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.05 - 1.93), chronic kidney disease (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.10 - 3.14) in women, and cardiovascular disease (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.01 - 1.80] in the total population. In participants with low vitamin C intake, higher intakes of NO2 (≥ 8.77 mg/d) were accompanied with increased risk of diabetes (HR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.45 - 4.05). A decreased risk of hypertension (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.33 - 0.98) and chronic kidney disease (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.24 - 0.89) was observed in response to higher intakes of NO2.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating NOx is associated with and could predict the risk of metabolic disorders in a general population. Moreover, dietary NO3/NO2 exposure from usual diets seems to contribute to development of noncommunicable diseases.

Outcomes of a Longitudinal Population-based Cohort Study and Pragmatic Community Trial: Findings from 20 Years of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

CONTEXT

The Tehran lipid and glucose study (TLGS) is one of the oldest population-based longitudinal cohort studies, providing knowledge about the incidence and risk factors of some non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in West Asia which hitherto was relatively scarce. We reviewed the methods and results related to the outcome measurements of this study.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We reviewed all the TLGS papers which reported the incidence of NCDs.

RESULTS

The TLGS was initiated in 1999 - 2001 on a population in district no. 13 of Tehran with the same age distribution of the overall Tehran population and with a middle socioeconomic status. Totally, 15005 individuals, aged ≥ 3 years, participated in the first examination; reexaminations were conducted in a triennial manner and 3550 individuals were added in the second examination. All participants were also followed up annually and asked about any medical event leading to hospitalization or death. A part of participants was assigned to an educational program for lifestyle modification. High incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), premature CVD, diabetes and hypertension (around 19, 6, 10 and 31 in men and 11, 5, 11 and 29 in women per 1000 person-year, respectively) besides the high incidence of pre-diabetes and pre-hypertension (around 46 and 76 in men and 37 and 49 in women per 1000 person-year, respectively) showed a worrying situation. Fortunately, the results of the community interventions were promising with around 20% reduction in the risk of metabolic syndrome up to six years.

CONCLUSIONS

These precise detections of different outcomes in the TLGS provided valuable evidences for prediction and prevention of NCDs in Iran with some novelties in the middle-income countries in the world. The Tehran thyroid study (TTS) and the Tehran cardiometabolic genetic study (TCGS), conducted in the framework of the TLGS, are among few studies aiming to determine the natural course of thyroid function and to identify patterns of genetic polymorphisms related to cardiometabolic outcomes, respectively.

Diabetes and number of years of life lost with and without cardiovascular disease: a multi-state homogeneous semi-Markov model

AIMS

We quantified the impact of type 2 diabetes on incidence of non-fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, considering CVD as a continuum from occurrence of diabetes to the end point, and estimated the 15-year life expectancy with and without CVD.

METHODS

A total of 7239 Iranian adults (3246 men), aged ≥ 30 years, were followed from 1999 to 2014. We applied a multi-state semi-Markov model with three transitions including CVD-free to non-fatal CVD, CVD-free to death and non-fatal CVD to death, and studied the influence of diabetes on each transition rate, stratifying by sex and adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

Diabetes was significantly associated with increased risk of non-fatal CVD in men [hazard ratio, 1.70 (1.36-3.53)] and women [2.19 (1.74-2.77)], and of all-cause death [2.72 (2.03-3.63) and 1.92 (1.37-2.67) in men and women, respectively]. An increased risk of mortality was found only among diabetic men, when non-fatal CVD was occurred [2.19 (1.36-3.53)]. Men with diabetes experienced first non-fatal CVD and death without CVD 1.7 and 1.4 years, respectively, earlier than those without diabetes; the corresponding values were 1.4 and 0.7 years for women. Moreover, diabetic men lived 1.3 years less than non-diabetic counterparts when non-fatal CVD was occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes increased the risk of non-fatal CVD events and all-cause mortality and consequently decreased the number of years lived without CVD. A decrease in LE was found only among diabetic men compared to non-diabetics after non-fatal CVD occurred.

Exploring risk patterns for incident ischemic stroke during more than a decade of follow-up: A survival tree analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The burden of stroke is increasing in low to middle income countries. Identifying risk patterns for ischemic stroke (IS) can help develop individualized preventive measures for at risk populations.

METHODS

The study population included 3088 Iranian subjects (1426 men) aged ≥50 years, free of cardiovascular diseases at baseline. The risk factors for ischemic stroke were identified by multivariate Cox analysis. A survival tree model was used to explore interactions between risk factors.

RESULTS

During 12years of follow-up, 106 cases of IS occurred. Age (hazard ratio (HR): 1.08), male gender (HR: 1.69), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (HR: 1.04), fasting plasma glucose (HR: 1.10), waist circumference (WC) (HR: 1.03) and smoking (HR: 1.96), were associated with increased risk and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (HR: 0.97) and wrist circumference (HR: 0.68) decreased the risk of IS (all P-values <0.05). The survival tree identified six risk patterns. The highest and lowest risks were related to subjects ≥60.5years with DBP ≥100mmHg and subjects <60.5years with DBP<97mmHg, respectively. In subjects ≥60.5years with DBP <100mmHg, risk of ischemic stroke was determined by WC ≥96.5cm or (eGFR) <60.87ml/min/1.73m².

CONCLUSION

By applying survival tree as a complementary method to the conventional Cox-analysis, for the first time, we identified risk patterns of ischemic stroke and explored the interactions between risk factors of the disease. DBP was the most important predictor of ischemic stroke in middle-aged and old subjects. In elderly subjects with DBP <100mmHg, abdominal obesity was associated with high risk; however, among non-obese subjects, kidney dysfunction increased the risk of ischemic stroke. Wrist circumference was reported as a novel predictor.

The association between changes in blood pressure components and incident cardiovascular diseases

PURPOSE

To determine the association of changes in blood pressure (BP) components between baseline examination (1999-2001) and a second visit (2002-2005) with incident cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

METHODS

In 3569 (2048 female) Iranian subjects ≥30 y, systolic BP, diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) were evaluated in two consecutive visits. Subjects were then followed for cardiovascular events. Multivariate sex-adjusted Cox Proportional-Hazards models were built for each BP component's change, and further adjusted for baseline BP values, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and their changes.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 6.09 years after the second examination, 303 CVD cases occurred. A 1 SD increase in systolic BP, diastolic BP and MAP were significantly associated with 21%, 22%, and 95% increased CVD risk after adjustments for baseline values of BP components and other common risk factors (all p-values <0.05). Importantly, diastolic BP change resisted after further adjustment with systolic BP change (hazard ratio 1.21, CI 95% 1.05-1.39). PP change showed no significant association with CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

In a middle-aged population, three-year rises in systolic BP, diastolic BP, MAP, but not PP were associated with increased incident CVD. The significant association between diastolic BP change and CVD was shown independent of systolic BP change.

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and mortality events in adults with type 2 diabetes - a 10-year follow-up: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

BACKGROUND

To identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality events in patients with type 2 diabetes and to calculate their population attributable fraction among a representative Iranian population.

METHODS

A total of 1198 patients with type 2 diabetes (504 men and 694 women), aged ≥30 years, without prevalent CVD, with a median follow-up of 10 years were included in current study. To examine the association between risk factors and their outcomes, multivariate sex-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models were used.

RESULTS

During the study, 281 and 172 participants experienced CVD and all-cause mortality events, respectively. Regarding CVD events, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level of 7.22-<10 mmol/L [hazard ratio (HR): 1.46, 95% CI 1.12-1.96], FPG level ≥10 mmol/L (HR 2.04, 1.53-2.72), hypertension (HR 1.65, 1.28-2.13), hypercholesterolaemia (HR 1.96, 1.40-2.75) and high waist to hip ratio (HR 1.30, 0.99-1.70; p = 0.051) were significant predictors, and corresponding population attributable fractions were 9.76, 17.84, 23.26, 41.63 and 14.76%, respectively. Considering all-cause mortality events, hypertension (HR 1.70, 1.23-2.36), FPG level ≥10 mmol/L (HR 2.31, 1.55-3.20) and smoking (HR 1.45, 1.03-2.04) were significant predictors, and corresponding population attributable fractions were 25.81, 20.88 and 11.18%, respectively. Meanwhile, being overweight or obese was associated with lower all-cause and CVD mortality events.

CONCLUSIONS

Among modifiable risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia and central adiposity for CVD, smoking for mortality events and hypertension and poor glycaemic control for both outcomes need to be paid most attention by healthcare professionals. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pediatric reference values for serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate in Iranians: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

BACKGROUND

Serum creatinine is the most widely used marker for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The aim of this study was to determine pediatric reference values for serum creatinine levels and eGFR values using data from a population-based study in Iran.

METHODS

Serum creatinine of 1594 subjects, aged 3 - 18 years, participating in phase 4 of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2008 - 2011) was measured using the conventional Jaffe method. The non-parametric method of Schwartz and Counahan-Barratt equations were used to calculate eGFR. CLSI/IFCC guidelines were used to determine reference values.

RESULTS

In both genders, serum creatinine concentration was significantly increased with age and had a positive correlation with age (boys (r = 0.786, n = 778, P < 0.001) and girls (r = 0.638, n = 724, P < 0.001)). In addition, mean serum creatinine concentration was significantly higher in boys, compared to girls (0.86 ± 0.01 vs. 0.80 ± 0.01 mg/dL, P < 0.001). Based on these results, we proposed the following formula: serum creatinine (mg/dL) = k × age (year) + 0.5, where k was 0.03 for boys and 0.02 for girls.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents pediatric reference values in Iranian boys and girls for serum creatinine levels to be 0.6 - 1.20 mg/dL and 0.6 - 1.00 mg/dL and for eGFR values to be 81 - 154 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and 80 - 129 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively. These values can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Reliability and validity of the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) in an Iranian urban adult population

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of a Persian translation of the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) in a sample of adults from Tehran, Iran.

METHODS

There were 48 adults (53.1% males) enrolled to test the physical activity questionnaire. A sub-sample included 33 participants (45.5% males) who assessed the reliability of the physical activity questionnaire.The validity was tested in 25 individuals (48.0% males). The reliability of two MAQs was calculated by intraclass correlation coefficients. The validation study was evaluated with the Spearman correlation coefficients to compare data between the means of 2 MAQs and the means of 4 physical activity records.

RESULTS

Intraclass correlation coefficients between 2 MAQs for the previous year's leisure time was 0.94; for occupational, it was 0.98; and for total (leisure and occupational combined) physical activity, it was 0.97. The Spearman correlation coefficients between the means of the 2 MAQs and means of the 4 physical activity records was 0.39 (P = 0.05) for leisure time, 0.36 (P = 0.07) for occupational, and 0.47 (P = 0.01) for total (leisure and occupational combined) physical activities.

CONCLUSION

High reliability and relatively moderate validity were found for the Persian translated MAQ in adults from Tehran. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are suggested to more precisely assess the validity of the MAQ.

Does lactation protect mothers against metabolic syndrome? Findings from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

AIM

We aimed to explore the effect of lactation on development of metabolic syndrome in a prospective population-based study.

METHODS

From among 4028 female participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, aged 15–50 years, without metabolic syndrome at the initiation of the study, 925 women were randomly selected to fill out the lactation questionnaire. Women were assigned to five groups based on lactation duration including: none, 1–6 months, 7–12 months, 13–23 months and 24 months or more. Over a 9-year follow-up, metabolic syndrome was compared between these groups, before and after adjustment for possible confounding variables.

RESULTS

Metabolic syndrome was developed in 12.1% of non-lactating women; it was 28.6%, 34.0%, 26.2% and 26.7% in women with 1–6, 7–12, 13–23 and 24 months or more of lifetime duration of lactation, respectively (P < 0.002). Adjustment for confounders revealed that women with 1–6 and 7–12 months of duration of lactation had significantly higher odds of metabolic syndrome in comparison to 24 months or more (1.4 and 1.3 times, respectively).

CONCLUSION

It seems that the longer duration of lactation up to 12 months may protect women against metabolic syndrome, in a dose–response manner.

What are the main barriers to healthy eating among families? A qualitative exploration of perceptions and experiences of Tehranian men

Despite women playing a pivotal role in shaping nutritional patterns in their families, it is the men whose ideas and preferences, after children, influence the selection and consumption of daily foods among Iranian families. This study focused on exploring the main barriers to healthy eating as experienced by male participants of the Tehran Lipid Glucose Study (TLGS). A grounded theory approach was used for analyzing participants' experiences and their perceptions regarding these barriers. Participants were 98 men, aged 25-65 years, selected and recruited from the TGLS cohort. Data collection was conducted through fourteen semi-structured focus group discussions, between 2008 and 2009. All interviews and focus group discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Constant comparative analysis of the data was conducted manually according to the Strauss and Corbin analysis method. The most important barriers to healthy eating were: (i) Personal factors, which included two subthemes--lack of knowledge and personal taste, (ii) Communication and modeling included two subthemes--other individuals and media/advertisements; (iii) Modernization included two subthemes--nutrition transition and women's role; and (iv) Lack of access to healthy foods, which included four subthemes--Inadequate confidence, perceived risk, high cost and time limitations. Appropriate attention and prioritized policy-making to modify the socio-environmental barriers to healthy eating were explored in the current study, along with effective educational programs that could help to promote healthy eating among Iranian families.

The incidence of coronary heart disease and the population attributable fraction of its risk factors in Tehran: a 10-year population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Data on incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) is scarce in the Middle East and little is known about the contribution of known risk factors in this area.

METHODS

The incidence of CHD and the effect of modifiable risk factors were explored in 2889 men and 3803 women aged 30-74 years in the population based cohort of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, during 1999-2010. Average population attributable fraction (aPAF) was calculated for any risk factor using direct method based on regression model.

RESULTS

The crude incidence rate in men was about twice that in women (11.9 vs. 6.5 per 1000 person-years). The aPAF of hypertension, diabetes, high total cholesterol and low-HDL cholesterol was 9.4%, 6.7%, 7.3% and 6.1% in men and 17%, 16.6%, 12% and 4.6% in women respectively. This index was 7.0% for smoking in men. High risk age contributed to 42% and 22% of risk in men and women respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence in this population of Iran was comparable to those in the US in the seventies. Well known modifiable risk factors explained about 40% and 50% of CHD burden in men and women respectively. Aging, as a reflection of unmeasured or unknown risk factors, bears the most burden of CHD, especially in men; indicating more age-related health care is required.

Sex specific incidence rates of type 2 diabetes and its risk factors over 9 years of follow-up: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Objective

To investigate the population-based incidence of type 2 diabetes and its potential risk factors in a sex-split cohort of Iranian population.

Materials and Methods

A total of 8400 non-diabetic participants, aged ≥20 years (3620 men and 4780 women) entered the study. Crude and age standardized incidence rates per 1000 person-years were calculated for whole population and each sex separately. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for all potential risk factors in both uni-variable and multivariable models.

Results

During a median follow-up of 9.5 years, 736 new cases of diabetes were identified, including 433 women and 303 men. The annual crude and age-standardized incidence rates (95% CI) of diabetes in the total population were 10.6 (9.92–11.4) and 9.94 (7.39–13.6) per 1000 person-years of follow-up and the corresponding sex specific rates were 10.2 (9.13–11.4) and 9.36 (5.84–14.92) in men and 11.0 (9.99–12.0) and 10.1 (7.24–13.9) in women, respectively. In the multivariable model, the risk for incident diabetes was significantly associated with fasting and 2 hour post challenge plasma glucose as well as family history of diabetes in both men and women. However, among women, only the contribution of wrist circumference to incident diabetes achieved statistical significance [HR: 1.16 (1.03–1.31)] with waist/height ratio being marginally significant [HR: 1.02 (0.99–1.04)]; while among men, only body mass index was a significant predictor [HR: 1.12 (1.02–1.22)]. Additionally, low education level conferred a higher risk for incident diabetes only among men [HR: 1.80 (1.23–2.36); P for interaction with sex = 0.003].

Conclusion

Overall, sex did not significantly modify the impact of risk factors associated with diabetes among Iranian adults; however, among modifiable risk factors, the independent role of lower education and general adiposity in men and central adiposity in women might require different preventive strategies.

Wrist circumference as a novel predictor of diabetes and prediabetes: results of cross-sectional and 8.8-year follow-up studies

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to examine whether wrist circumference is associated with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus, independently of general (body mass index [BMI]) or central (waist circumference [WC]) adiposity measures in a cohort of an Iranian adult population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 9330 subjects ≥ 20 years of age were included in the cross-sectional study. For prospective analysis, subjects with prevalent diabetes were excluded, leaving 6393 subjects (2716 males and 3677 females). The standard 2-hour postchallenge plasma glucose test was performed at baseline and during follow-up. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratio of diabetes for wrist circumference.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 8.8 years, 649 new cases of diabetes occurred. At baseline, using linear regression models, we showed significant linear associations between wrist circumference and diabetes risk factors in both genders, and this association remained significant after controlling for BMI or WC among females. In prospective evaluation, wrist circumference was significantly associated with incident diabetes (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio = 1.17 [1.03-1.32] and 1.31 [1.18-1.45] for males and females, respectively). After controlling for the subjects' BMI or WC, wrist circumference was an independent predictor of diabetes only among females. Wrist circumference was an independent predictor of metabolic syndrome only among women even after adjustment for BMI, WC, or both.

CONCLUSIONS

Wrist circumference is a significant predictor of diabetes in both genders of adult population. However, its predictability is independent of BMI or WC only among females. Because of its simple and easy-to-detect nature, wrist circumference could be considered as a new anthropometric assessment for prediction of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

The effect of community-based education for lifestyle intervention on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components: tehran lipid and glucose study

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that life style modification may decrease the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, but this intervention has not been reported in community setting.

OBJECTIVES

Effect of lifestyle modification on prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components were assessed in an urban population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 6870 participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study aged 20-74 years, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components were measured before and after a 3.6 years interval. Lifestyle intervention was employed at a community level including 2961 individuals and also 3909 subjects which were recruited as controls. Logistic regression analysis was adjusted for age, sex and medications.

RESULTS

After 3.6 years, the rise in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was less prominent in intervention than control group (P < 0.002 for increase of metabolic syndrome prevalence between groups), with an OR of 0.84 (confidence interval 0.75-0.95). After intervention the prevalence of abdominal obesity, elevated fasting glucose levels, elevated triglyceride and low HDL cholesterol were more prominent in control group, as compared to intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

Community based lifestyle modifications in Tehranian adults delayed rise in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and some of its components.

Leisure Time Physical Activity and Its Determinants among Adults in Tehran: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess leisure time physical activity and its determinants among adults in Tehran.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised adults (n = 7285), aged 20 years and older. The subjects were participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study between 2002 and 2004. Information on the number of days spent on different activities during a week and the time devoted to each activity on a typical day was recorded. In addition, each activity, weighted by its relative intensity, was referred to as a metabolic equivalent.

RESULTS

The prevalence of inactivity was 69.8% (95% CI: 68.7-70.8) in the whole population and 30.2% (95% CI: 27.2-33.1%) of men and 30.3% (95% CI: 27.7-32.8%) of women were considered as active. Leisure time physical activity less than 30 min/week was scored in 1590 (50.6%) men and 1803 (43.5%) women. The most frequent leisure time physical activity performed by men (96.1%) and women (95.2%) was walking. A negative association was observed in men between leisure time physical activity and increased work hours, older age, more cigarette smoking and higher body mass index (69.8% were overweight and 75.3% were obese; P < 0.05). Leisure time physical activity was more likely to be associated with high educational levels in men. In addition, there was a statistically significant relationship between physical inactivity and occupation in both men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of physical inactivity among adults in Tehran was high. Leisure time physical inactivity was more likely to be associated with older age, more cigarette smoking, more working hours, and higher body mass index. Public health efforts are needed to improve people's participation in physical activities in Iran.

Reduction in incidence of type 2 diabetes by lifestyle intervention in a middle eastern community

BACKGROUND

Very few studies have used community-based interventions for primary prevention of Type 2 diabetes, and the direct effect of such interventions on diabetes incidence is relatively unknown.

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the effect of lifestyle modification on risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the development of Type 2 diabetes at the community level.

DESIGN

A cluster-controlled trial was conducted.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

In all, 3098 and 5114 individuals in intervention and control groups, respectively (mean age=43 years), recruited from District 13 of Tehran, Iran, participated in the baseline examination in 1999-2001. Among these individuals, a total of 1754 and 2993 individuals in the intervention and control groups, respectively (58%), completed a follow-up examination in 2002-2005.

INTERVENTION

The study intervention involved improvement in diet, increase in the level of physical activity, and reduction in cigarette smoking through educational interviews, lectures, and publications.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incident Type 2 diabetes was measured by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-hour plasma glucose (2hPG) and change in NCD risk factors.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 3.6 years. The incidence of diabetes in the control and intervention groups was 12.2 and 8.2 per 1000 person-years, respectively, with a relative risk reduction of 65% (95% CI=30%, 83%, p<0.003). The adjusted difference in mean change of risk factors between the intervention and control groups was significant for weight (-0.5 kg in men); BMI (-0.18 kg/m(2) in men); waist circumference (-1.0 cm in women); systolic and diastolic blood pressure (-1.1 and -0.6 mmHg, respectively, in women); FPG (-2.1 and -2.3 mg/dL in men and women); 2hPG (-4.6 mg/dL in women); total cholesterol (-2.8 mg/dL in women); triglycerides (-7.6 and -5.2 mg/dL in men and women); and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.1 mg/dL in women; all p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle intervention resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes and better control of NCD risk factors in a population-based setting. ISRCTN TRIAL REGISTRATION #: ISRCTN52588395.

Prevention of non-communicable disease in a population in nutrition transition: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study phase II

BACKGROUND

The Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) is a long term integrated community-based program for prevention of non-communicable disorders (NCD) by development of a healthy lifestyle and reduction of NCD risk factors. The study begun in 1999, is ongoing, to be continued for at least 20 years. A primary survey was done to collect baseline data in 15005 individuals, over 3 years of age, selected from cohorts of three medical heath centers. A questionnaire for past medical history and data was completed during interviews; blood pressure, pulse rate, and anthropometrical measurements and a limited physical examination were performed and lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar and 2-hours-postload-glucose challenge were measured. A DNA bank was also collected. For those subjects aged over 30 years, Rose questionnaire was completed and an electrocardiogram was taken. Data collected were directly stored in computers as database software- computer assisted system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of lifestyle modification in preventing or postponing the development of NCD risk factors and outcomes in the TLGS population.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In phase II of the TLGS, lifestyle interventions were implemented in 5630 people and 9375 individuals served as controls. Primary, secondary and tertiary interventions were designed based on specific target groups including schoolchildren, housewives, and high-risk persons. Officials of various sectors such as health, education, municipality, police, media, traders and community leaders were actively engaged as decision makers and collaborators. Interventional strategies were based on lifestyle modifications in diet, smoking and physical activity through face-to-face education, leaflets & brochures, school program alterations, training volunteers as health team and treating patients with NCD risk factors. Collection of demographic, clinical and laboratory data will be repeated every 3 years to assess the effects of different interventions in the intervention group as compared to control group.

CONCLUSION

This controlled community intervention will test the possibility of preventing or delaying the onset of non-communicable risk factors and disorders in a population in nutrition transition.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN52588395.