24 September 2014

1 June 2015

• Determining the risk factors of non-communicable diseases(NCD) in the Tabari Cohort Study(TCS)
• Determining the relationship between gender and NCD in the TCS
• Determining the relationship between socioeconomic status and NCD in the TSC
• Determining the relationship between oral health status and NCD in the TSC
• Determining the relationship between calorie intake and NCD in the TSC
• Determining the relationship between physical activity and NCD in the TSC
• Determining the relationship between alcohol consumption and NCD in the TSC

Participants were males and females aged 35 to 70 years, selected from a population census from Health
Center number five at Sari (capital city of Mazandaran province) and Kiasar city as the
urban and mountainous regions.

A list of the target populations in the urban and mountainous regions was generated from health records in health centers and all those eligible (being Iranian, resident of the defined regions and without physical/mental abnormalities hindering participation) were invited to refer to the cohort centers by healthcare volunteers in Sari and Behvarz workers in Kiasar. Behvarz are health house staff in rural areas who are in charge of vaccination programs, family planning, and reporting births.7 All personnel were trained regarding the study objectives, methods, and principles of communication/interview. They referred in person to all households and invited the residents to participate in the study at least two weeks prior to an interview date. Those who agreed to participate received reminder calls one week and one day before the scheduled date. Upon arrival at the cohort center, written informed consent was obtained from each participant after detailed explanations of the design and aims of the study. A total of 10 255 participants were enrolled in TCS.

Data was collected and recorded using an online software, designed by the PERSIAN cohort.21 Data was collected
using a structured questionnaire and through face to face interview. The collected information included demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, occupational history, fuel use, habitat characteristics, life-style factors, history of fertility and chronic diseases, medication use, family history of diseases, sleep habits, physical activity, personal habits (smoking and drinking), dietary habits, pesticide exposure, and mobile use. In addition, a general physical examination including anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, and oral examinations were performed and biological samples including blood, urine, hair, and nail samples were collected in the fasted state.

Tabari cohort follow-up includes annual and periodic follow-up (re-measurement). All participants were contacted every year in order to ascertain major NCDs. The periodic follow-up will be conducted every 5 year .Among all participants, 30% will be selected randomly. They will be re-interviewed and all biological samples will be collected.

All risk factors related to chronic diseases including genetic factors, life style, socioeconomic status and environment contamination