1. Digestive Disease Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  2. Liver and Pancreatobiliary Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  3. Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
  4. Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Razi Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
  5. Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
  6. Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
  7. Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
  8. Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
  9. Health Sciences Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Science, Sari, Iran.
  10. Department of Cardiology, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
  11. Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
  12. Research Center for Infectious Diseases of Digestive System, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
  13. Health Research Center, Shahrekord University Medical of Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
  14. Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
  15. Social Determinants of Health Research Center, occupational Medicine Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
  16. Digestive Diseases Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
  17. Digestive Oncology Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  18. ranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
  19. Semnan Birth Cohort, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
  20. Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
  21. Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
bmj open

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders and cognitive diseases are prevalent, and they are significant determinants of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal and cognitive diseases and their risk factors and also to assess their associations during future follow-ups.

Methods and analysis: Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) programme is a population-based prospective cohort study being conducted in Bushehr, a southern province of Iran. A total of 3000 older people aged ≥60 years participated in the first stage from which 2772 were eligible to participate in the second stage, which started after 2.5 years. Data including demographic status, lifestyle factors, general healthandmedical history, and mentalandfunctional health are collected through a questionnaire. Anthropometric measures, performance testsandmuscle strength, blood pressure and and body composition measurements are done. A total 25 cc venous blood is taken, and sera are stored at -80°C for possible future analyses.

Ethics and dissemination: The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Science as well as the Research Ethics Committee of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. A written informed consent was signed by all the participants. The study findings will show the prevalence of musculoskeletal disease, cognitive impairment and their risk factors in an elderly population. The participants will be followed during the study to measure the occurrence outcomes.This study will also have the potential to inform the development of beneficial interventions to improve the management of musculoskeletal and cognitive impairment in Iran and other countries in the Middle East.Our findings will be disseminated via scientific publication as well as presentation to stakeholders, including the patients, clinicians, the public and policymakers, via appropriate avenues.

Keywords: cognitive function; elderly; musculoskeletal system; protocol.

How to Cite

  • Eghtesad S, Mohammadi Z, Shayanrad A, Faramarzi E, Joukar F, Hamzeh B, Farjam M, Zare Sakhvidi MJ, Miri-Monjar M, Moosazadeh M, Hakimi H, Rahimi Kazerooni S, Cheraghian B, Ahmadi A, Nejatizadeh A, Mohebbi I, Pourfarzi F, Roozafzai F, Motamed-Gorji N, Montazeri SA, Masoudi S, Amin-Esmaeili M, Danaie N, Mirhafez SR, Hashemi H, Poustchi H, Malekzadeh R. The PERSIAN Cohort: Providing the Evidence Needed for Healthcare Reform. Arch Iran Med. 2017 Nov 1;20(11):691-695. PMID: 29480734.