Paracelsus 10,000: An Observational Cohort Study About the Health Status of the Population of Salzburg, Austria. Rationale, Objectives and Study Design

Abstract

Background/Aims: Paracelsus 10,000 is an observational cohort study with the objective to investigate the health status of the population in and around the city of Salzburg. The focus lies on common non-communicable diseases, mainly cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and metabolic diseases, and their risk factors. The aim of the study is to establish a large database enabling to study associations between life style, genetic factors and development of common diseases. Extensive phenotyping and biobanking constitute a basis for preventive measures, multi-omics and precision medicine. Methods: Inhabitants of the city of Salzburg and the surrounding areas were randomly selected and underwent a detailed investigation: The program included medical examinations, as well as assessments on mental disorders and life style including nutrition and physical activity. From all study participants biological samples were stored in a biobank at -80°C enabling future investigations of biomarkers and utilization of the whole spectrum of multi-omics. Results: Between the years 2013 and 2020, 10,044 participants, 5,176 women and 4,868 men aged between 40 and 77 years, completed a baseline assessment. Special emphasis was put on participants between 50 and 59 years old, representing an age group especially prone to changes in health status. In this group, 2,606 participants underwent an extended investigation program. Conclusion: The Paracelsus 10,000 study has the potential to gain new insight into the role of associations between genetic predisposition and life style factors for disease development in the Salzburg population. This report describes rationale, objectives and design of the study and provides insight into the main characteristics of the study cohort.