Baseline data of a prospective cohort study: Cappadocia cohort study, Turkey

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic diseases and behavioural risk factors from the baseline data of a large prospective cohort study initiated in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Method: The study population consisted of adult volunteers who resided in two towns, Gulsehir and Avanos, of the Cappadocia region. For the planned community-based intervention trials, Gulsehir served as the “intervention” town and Avanos was the “control” town. The study was initiated in 2013 and was planned to be continued for a minimum of 10 years. Study offices were established in both towns and trained personnel conducted electronic questionnaires and physical examinations by visiting households and working places. Results: In total, 10,992 individuals were enrolled. Compared to Turkey’s adult population, the mean age (44.5±17.4 years vs. 31.9±21.2 years) and the female proportion (56.5% vs. 51.2%) were higher but the proportion of university graduates (17.1% vs. 32.2%) was lower in the study cohort. The rates of females having obesity (39.0% vs. 20.8%) and high-risk waist circumference (61.8% vs. 30.7%) were higher than males. Obesity was also a very prevalent risk factor among females in both towns (36.9% in Avanos and 41.5% in Gulsehir). Physical activity levels were low; only 6% of females and 8% of males were “active” or “very active” even at the youngest age group (18-34 years). The rate of smoking was higher in males than in females (46.9% vs. 13.8%). The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and rheumatologic diseases were higher in females than in males (p<0.0001 for each); however, no significant differences were obtained for cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In both towns, hypertension was the most commonly reported chronic disease followed by DM, hyperlipidaemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusions: Baseline data revealed a high prevalence of modifiable lifestyle risk factors in the Cappadocia region of Turkey and elucidated the need for effective community-based interventions.