Kavar Cohort Study (KCS)

Gasteroenterohepatology Research Center

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Principal Investigator:

Mohammadreza Fattahi

Gasteroenterohepatology Research Center

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz,Iran

Cohort Website

Start date

Approval date: 2017/08/16

Starting date: 2017/10/26

Goals

To investigate the prevalence, incidence, trends, and relevant risk factors of non-communicable diseases
To assess the effective methods for prevention, treatment, detection, and rehabilitation of non-communicable diseases
To investigate the mortality rate and its major causes and also the most effective strategies to reduce early death
To establish a comprehensive database supporting electronic health records
To improve the quality of health care services

Study population

All residents in urban areas of Kavar County aged 35–70 years

Sampling method and sample size

The principal investigators introduced the study to local people in 19 meetings arranged for city authorities, and residents’ gatherings such as Friday prayers in a year before beginning the study. In the recruitment phase, a list of residents eligible to participate in the study with their home addresses and home and cell phone numbers was prepared from the urban health centers database.
A census method was applied for this study. So, a trained staff called all eligible residents by phone and explained the purpose, procedure, and benefits of participating in the study. After confirming their willingness to participate, permanent residence, and ability to respond to the questions without help, they were assigned a date to attend the cohort center. Overall, 5236 adults aged 35–70 years old were invited to participate in the study; from whom 4997 people met the inclusion criteria and were recruited in the study (participation rate: 95.4%).

Data Collection

All data were collected based on the Persian cohort protocol.

Biological samples were collected and stored in a suitable condition.

General, nutritional, and medical data were collected through face-to-face

interview using validated questionnaires.

Physical examination was performed by a physician and trained staff.

Follow up Methods

Annual follow-up: The interviewers fill out the telephone questionnaire for all subjects to assess the occurrence of death, history of hospitalization, and incidence of major non-communicable diseases.
Periodic follow-up: This phase will be conducted every five years on 30% of the total subjects who will be selected randomly. Then, all exposures will be assessed again for them.

Main Exposures

Biological samples (blood, urine, hair, and nail)
Physical examinations (height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, wrist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and oral health examination)
General data (demographic factors, socioeconomic status, occupational status and history, fuel exposures, lifestyle, sleep and circadian rhythm, physical activity, cell phone use, toxin, and pesticide exposure)
Nutritional data (food frequency questionnaire, eating habits, food preparation, and storage techniques)
Medical data (disease history, medication history, reproductive history (women), family medical history, oral and dental health, personal habits (smoking, alcohol, and drug use))

Outcomes

The outcomes are the number and causes of death, history of hospitalization, and incidence of major non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, myocardial ischemia, and other ischemic heart diseases, heart failure), cerebrovascular events/stroke, cancers, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung diseases (asthma and COPD), chronic kidney disease leading to dialysis, cirrhosis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases. Furthermore, changes in major risk factors of non-communicable diseases, including anthropometric parameters, physical activity, lifestyle, nutritional, and environmental factors will be assessed.

Cohort Study

About The Kavar Cohort Study (KCS)

KCS Documentation

RATIONALE AND DESIGN Papers

Alarm of non-communicable disease in Iran: Kavar cohort profile, baseline and 18-month follow up results from a prospective population-based study in urban area
Safarpour AR, Fattahi MR, Niknam R, Tarkesh F, Mohammadkarimi V, Boogar SS, Abbasi E, Abtahi F, Sivandzadeh GR, Ejtehadi F, Afshar M, Shamsnia SA, Niknejad N. Alarm of non-communicable disease in Iran: Kavar cohort profile, baseline and 18-month follow up results from a prospective population-based study in urban area. PLoS One. 2022 Jan 27;17(1):e0260227. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260227.

Questionnaires

Phase 1

Metadata Dictionary

KCS Staff

Gallery

News

Selected Publications