Research Studies In IrAN Research Articles

The link between the risk of cardiovascular diseases and the intake of different types of dietary carbohydrates in Iranian adults.

The risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) may be influenced by dietary carbohydrates. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between CVDs and the intake of carbohydrates. In this cross-sectional study, data was extracted from the Prospective Epidemiologic Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) cohort in Sabzevar, Iran. A total of 4241 adults, including 1535 patients with CVDs and 2706 people without CVDs, were included. A validated 237-item food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate the intake of different types of dietary carbohydrates. A positive association was found between stroke and dietary intake of starch (OR = 1.108; 95% CI, 1.005-1.220; P = 0.039). Additionally, a negative association was found between stroke and dietary intake of sucrose (OR = 0.97; 95%CI, 0.94-0.99; P = 0.037). No association was found between other types of CVDs and the intake of different types of carbohydrates. This study provided some evidence for the association between CVDs and different types of dietary carbohydrates. Consumption of starch may increase the risk of stroke, while a higher intake of sucrose may decrease the risk of stroke. Further studies are warranted.

Prevalence of anemia and related factors among Tabari cohort population: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAnemia presents a considerable public health challenge, standing as a leading contributor to elevated rates of mortality and morbidity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anemia and related factors among Tabari cohort population.MethodsThis study involved a cross-sectional investigation carried out during the enrollment phase of the Tabari cohort. The Tabari cohort is a subset of the larger nationwide cohort study known as the “Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN” (PERSIAN) cohort. The collected data included general information, anthropometric measurements, medical history and blood samples. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level less than 13 mg/dL for men and less than 12 mg/dL for women. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.16.ResultsOut of the 10,073 participants included in the analysis, 1,352 individuals (13.4%) were diagnosed with anemia. In the multiple regression analysis, the odds of anemia were significantly 2.31 times in females compared to males, 3.69 times in urban residents compared to rural residents, 1.41 times in social economic categories of IV and 1.35 in social economic categories of V compared to social economic categories of I, 1.70 times in drug abuse compared to non-drug abuse, 0.71 times in body mass index (BMI) categories of 25–29.9 kg/m² and 0.70 in BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² compared to BMI < 25, 0.77 times for triglycerides(TG) > 150 compared to below 150, 0.76 times for total cholesterol(TC) > 200 compared to below 200, 0.83 times for high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) compared to low WHR, 1.33 times in low High-density Lipoprotein (HDL) compared to high HDL, 1.18 times in diabetics (DM) compared to non-DM, and 1.37 times in individuals with coronary heart diseases (CHD) compared to healthy individuals.ConclusionAnemia was a prevalent condition among Tabari cohort population. Several conditions including female gender, urban residence, Social economic level of IV and V, drug abuse, low HDL, high WHR, DM, and CHD conditions were significantly associated with increased odds of anemia. Furthermore, BMI categories of 25–29.9 kg/m² and ≥ 30 kg/m², high TC and high TG were significantly associated with decreased odds of anemia among this population.

The central retina vessel density and foveal avascular zone values of 792 healthy adults using optical coherence tomography angiography.

To determine normal macular vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) values using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) analysis in healthy adults. As part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) Organizational Cohort study at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (POCM), we conducted a cross-sectional study using 3 × 3 and 6 × 6 mm OCTA scans to evaluate the VD of the macular superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and the FAZ area in healthy adults. The study included 792 participants, with a mean age of 39.8 ± 6.8 years. There were 359 males with a mean age of 39.9 ± 7.8 years and 440 females with a mean age of 39.4 ± 6 years. The mean values of various parameters were measured, including the right eye whole image SCP and DCP VDs, FAZ area, FAZ perimeter, and fovea VD in a 300 µm wide zone around FAZ (FD). These values were found to be 45.9 ± 2.6%, 50.2 ± 3%, 0.3 ± 0.1mm2, 2.1 ± 0.4 mm, and 50.4 ± 3.3%, respectively. Females and younger participants had significantly higher mean values of whole image SCP and DCP VDs. Additionally, all FAZ parameters had significantly higher values in females, while younger participants had significantly higher mean FD values. Simple linear regression analyses showed that age was negatively correlated with right eye SCP and DCP VDs. Our study established standard SCP and DCP VD values influenced by age and gender. Age correlates negatively with both, DCP VDs correlate negatively with height and weight, and SCP VDs correlate positively with diastolic blood pressure.

Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease and Associated Factors among the Diabetic and Prediabetic Population in the Bandare-Kong Cohort Study; A Population-Based Study.

This investigation aims to examine the relationship between diabetes and prediabetes with chronic kidney disease (CKD) while taking into account key risk factors such as gender, age, lifestyle, smoking habits, and blood pressure. Between November 17, 2016, and November 22, 2018, 4063 subjects aged 35 to 70 years were enrolled in the first phase of the Bandare-Kong Non-Communicable Disease (BKNCD) Cohort Study, which is part of the PERSIAN (Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN) cohort and was conducted in a coastal region of the Hormozgan province in southern Iran. CKD was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula based on glomerular filtration rate (GFR)<60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 , or albumin/Cr>30 mg/g in random urine, self-reported kidney failure, or dialysis. Urine albumin and creatinine were determined by standard kits (Pars Azmoon, Tehran, Iran) and the BT1500 automatic chemistry analyzer (Biotecnica Instruments, Rome, Italy). The prevalence of CKD was found to be 15.3%, with 29.6% identified in diabetic individuals and 16.5% in prediabetic patients. So, the prevalence of CKD in diabetics was higher than prediabetics and normal people. Increased age, dysglycemia (diabetes or prediabetes), hypertension, and use of angiotensin receptor blockers were markedly associated with an elevated risk of CKD in adults. The study emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of CKD risk factors, particularly among high-risk individuals, to mitigate CKD progression and associated complications. By addressing modifiable risk factors, proactive screening, and enhanced awareness, significant strides can be made in reducing CKD burden and improving patient outcomes.

The association between waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) with diabetes in the PERSIAN Guilan cohort study population

BackgroundWaist circumference (WC), or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), potentially offers a more accurate reflection of intra-abdominal fat accumulation and could serve as a superior predictor of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk compared to BMI. The current study investigated the relationship between WHR and its influencing factors among diabetes patients enrolled in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) Guilan Cohort study (PGCS).MethodIn this cross-sectional study of 10,520 participants, 2,531 had T2DM. Waist and hip circumference, body mass index (BMI), underlying diseases, and demographical data of participants were recorded. Also, fasting blood sugar (FBS), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) were assessed. All data was analyzed using SPSS version 16; the significant level was < 0.05.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 51.52 ± 8.90 years, and 39.9% had a BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m2. The prevalence of diabetes was 24.1% (n = 2531). About 7628 (72.5%) individuals had abnormal WHR, and 2072 (19.7%) were diabetics. Among patients with diabetes, abnormal WHR was significantly associated with age over 50, female gender, higher BMI, and lower LDL (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe study showed a higher prevalence of abnormal WHR in diabetic patients. Abnormal WHR in patients with diabetes was significantly associated with age, gender, and BMI.

Dietary antioxidants and hypertension among menopausal women in Rafsanjan Cohort Study

Studies on the beneficial role of dietary antioxidants in preventing or managing hypertension in postmenopausal women are infrequent. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between dietary antioxidants and hypertension among menopausal women in Rafsanjan, a city located in the southeast of Iran. This study was based on data from the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS), as part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN). Among 2359 postmenopausal women, finally, 1936 women were included in this study. Participants were grouped as having normal blood pressure (BP), elevated BP, stage 1 hypertension, or stage 2 hypertension as defined by the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) BP guideline. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), was utilized to ascertain the levels of various nutrients and dietary antioxidants in the diet. The association between dietary intakes of antioxidants and blood pressure groups was evaluated by crude and adjusted models in the multinominal logistics regression analysis. Normal BP, elevated BP, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension were observed in 35.69%, 3.62%, 10.59%, and 50.10% of postmenopausal women respectively. In the adjusted model, in subjects with higher consumption of β-carotene, the odds ratios of elevated BP in the 3rd quartile was about 2 times (OR: 2.04 (1.06–3.93) higher than 1st quartile. Also, in subjects with medium quality of DAQS, the odds ratios of elevated BP and stage 1 blood pressure were about 2 times (OR: 2.09 (1.05–4.17) and 1.69 times (OR: 1.69 (1.09–2.63) higher than subjects with low quality respectively. Furthermore, we did not find any statistically significant association between increased intake of dietary antioxidants and decreased odds of hypertension. After controlling the effects of confounding variables, increased dietary intake of selenium, carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E did not decrease the odds of hypertension in postmenopausal women. Accordingly, it is suggested that this association be further investigated in the follow-up phase of this prospective study.

Relationship between metabolic syndrome and depression: A study based on Rafsanjan Youth Cohort Study

BackgroundDepressed people are susceptible to metabolic syndrome ression and metabolic syndrome in the Rafsanjan Youth Cohort Study in 2021. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the data of 3005 young people aged 15–35 under the coverage of urban and rural health centers was investigated in the enrollment stage of the Rafsanjan Youth Cohort Study as a part of the prospective epidemiological research studies in IrAN (PERSIAN). Data was collected using face-to-face interview and electronic questionnaires of the Rafsanjan Youth Cohort Study. ResultsAge of the youth was 25.78 ± 6.06 years, 56 % (n = 1682) were female. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) was 7.7 % (95 % CI: 6.8 %–8.8 %) and the prevalence of depression was 11.1 % (95 % CI: 10.0 %–12.3 %). Depression did not have a significant impact on the odds ratio of developing MetS in young people (P = 0.604). The odds ratio (OR) of MetS increases by 1.057 times with increasing age (95 % CI for OR: 1.020–1.094). This OR is also 1.715 times higher in married young people than in unmarried Youth (95 % CI for OR: 1.715–2.692) and 0.196 times lower in young people with medium and high MET index than in young people with low MET index (95 % CI for OR: 0.048–0.811). LimitationsInability to determine a causal relationship between MetS and depression. ConclusionDue to the growing trend of components of MetS among the young population, this issue needs to be addressed in future policies and planning for prevention and control as a health priority.

Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Blood Lipids with Kidney Stone Disease: The Fasa Adults Cohort Study

Background: Urinary stones rank as the third most common disease of the genitourinary system, following urinary tract infections and prostate diseases. Their incidence is influenced by various demographic, environmental, and genetic factors. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the association between Body Mass Index (BMI), blood lipids, and kidney stones. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized the baseline data of 10 133 participants aged 35 - 70 years from the Fasa cohort study. The dataset included demographic information, biochemical laboratory results, anthropometric measurements, behavioral data, and the presence or absence of kidney stones. Data analysis employed t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models. Results: Among the 10 133 participants, 54.9% were women, with a mean age of 48.63 ± 9.57 years. The prevalence of kidney stones was 17.3%. The findings indicated a correlation between BMI and triglyceride levels (TG) with kidney stones. Elevated BMI and triglyceride levels were associated with increased odds of developing kidney stones, with odds ratios of 1.048 (95% CI: 1.025 - 1.048) and 1.006 (95% CI: 1.001 - 1.006), respectively. Conclusions: The study revealed a significant relationship between BMI, triglyceride levels, and kidney stones. Individuals with kidney stones exhibited higher mean BMI and TG levels compared to those without. These findings from the Fasa PERSIAN (Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran) cohort suggest that kidney stone disease is linked to elevated triglyceride levels and BMI. Given that a high-fat diet contributes to increased BMI and elevated serum triglyceride levels, measures to reduce weight, combat obesity, and manage triglyceride levels are warranted to mitigate the risk of kidney stone formation.

Cohort profile: the PERSIAN Dena Cohort Study (PDCS) of non-communicable diseases in Southwest Iran

PurposeThis study conducted in Dena County is a population-based cohort study as part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN). The specific objectives of this study were to...

Occupational status and chronic respiratory diseases: a cross-sectional study based on the data of the Rafsanjan Cohort Study

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the possible connection between occupational status and chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) among the Iranian population.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was conducted on 9934 individuals aged 35–70 years enrolled in the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS), a component of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN). Detailed questionnaires were used to collect information on various factors, such as occupation, sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, cigarette and hookah smoking, opium use, and alcohol consumption. The association between occupational class and CRD was evaluated using logistic regression models for rare events.ResultsIn the present study, 4624 (46.55%) participants were male, and 5310 (53.45%) were female. The prevalence of CRD among all participants was 2.61%. Occupational activities were classified into two categories: In class I, the largest group was the homemaker and unemployment category (41.73%), followed by self-employment (34.39%), employment (13.03%), and retired individuals (10.84%). In class II, there were pistachio farmers (12.61%), copper miners (3.62%), and others in various occupations (83.76%). Subjects with CRD were significantly more likely to be homemakers, unemployed, elderly, female, less educated, and obese. There was no significant relationship between CRD and job type/occupational status after adjusting for some potential confounding variables.ConclusionsThere was no significant relationship between CRD and job type/occupational status. However, longitudinal studies are needed to assess the impact of job type/occupational status on the risk of CRD.

Validity and reproducibility of the PERSIAN Cohort food frequency questionnaire: assessment of major dietary patterns

BackgroundDietary patterns, encompassing an overall view of individuals’ dietary intake, are suggested as a suitable means of assessing nutrition’s role in chronic disease development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed for use in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN), by comparing major dietary patterns assessed by the FFQ with a reference method.MethodsStudy participants included men and women who enrolled in the PERSIAN Cohort Study at seven of the eighteen centers. These centers were chosen to include dietary variations observed among the different Iranian ethnic populations. Two FFQ were completed for each participant over a one-year study period (FFQ1 upon enrollment and FFQ2 at the end of the study), with 24 interviewer-administered 24-hour dietary recalls (24 h) being completed monthly in between. Spearman correlation coefficients (SCC) were used comparing FFQs 1 and 2 to the 24 h to assess validity, while FFQ1 was compared to FFQ2 to assess reproducibility of the questionnaire.ResultsThree major dietary patterns—Healthy, Low Protein/High Carb and Unhealthy—were identified, accounting for 70% of variance in the study population. Corrected SCC ranged from 0.31 to 0.61 in the validity and from 0.34 to 0.57 in reproducibility analyses, with the first two patterns, which accounted for over 50% of population variance, correlated at above 0.5 in both parameters, showing acceptable findings.ConclusionsThe PERSIAN Cohort FFQ is suitable for identification of major dietary patterns in the populations it is used for, in order to assess diet-disease relationships.

The frequency of colorectal lesions in the first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal lesions among PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study population (PGCS)

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the frequency of colorectal lesions in the first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal lesions among the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN )Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS) population.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 162 first-degree relatives with a history of colorectal lesions were randomly selected from 52 participants in PGCS. All subjects underwent total colonoscopy by a gastroenterologist, and a pathologist evaluated colorectal biopsies. Also, individuals’ demographic information, clinical data, and dietary habits were recorded.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 56.55 ± 7.04. Of 86 colon polyps, 52 neoplastic and 34 non-neoplastic polyps were observed in 56 patients (34.6%). Individuals with age > 60 years had 3.29-fold increased odds of developing colorectal polyps (OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.13–9.56, P = 0.029). The smokers were 2.73 times more susceptible to developing colorectal polyps than non-smokers (OR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.24–6.02, P = 0.013). Moreover, consumption of vegetables more than three times per day was associated with decreased OR of colorectal polyp development (OR = 0.43, CI: 0.19–0.98, P = 0.045).ConclusionsConsidering the high prevalence of neoplastic colorectal polyps among the first-degree relatives of patients with colorectal lesions, early screening is recommended for individuals with a family history of colorectal lesions.

Metabolic syndrome: a population-based study of prevalence and risk factors

The association between personal habits and metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MetS among youths and its association with cigarette, tobacco, opium, and alcohol consumption in the Rafsanjan Youth Cohort Study (RYCS). The current cross-sectional study was based on data from RYCS, as part of the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS). RCS is a branch of the prospective epidemiological research studies in Iran (PERSIAN). In the present study, 2843 youths aged 15–35 were included. MetS was diagnosed using the international diabetes federation (International IDF), National Cholesterol Education Panel- Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII), and Iranian criteria (IDF Iranian). Binary logistic regression models were performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). The prevalence of MetS was 7.67%, 7.14%, and 10.13% based on NCEP-ATPIII, IDF Iranian, and International IDF criteria respectively. The odds of MetS according to international IDF and Iranian IDF in the alcohol-drinking group in the last 12 months (OR: 1.51, 95%CI 1.02–2.21, OR: 1.66, 95%CI 1.11–2.48 respectively) were greater compared with the non-drinking group. The odds of having high TG in the alcohol-drinking group in the last 12 months was 1.53 times higher than the control group (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.20–1.94). Furthermore, the odds of having high waist circumference (WC) according to IDF International was significantly higher in the tobacco-smoking group in the last 12 months and in the tobacco-smoking group in the last 12 months daily (OR: 1.23, 95%CI 1.01–1.49 and OR: 1.41, 95%CI 1.01–1.98 respectively) compared to the control groups. The prevalence of MetS was 7.67%, 7.14%, and 10.13% based on NCEP-ATPIII, IDF Iranian, and International IDF criteria respectively. The odds of MetS and high TG were greater in the alcohol-drinking group in the last 12 months compared with the non-drinking group. The odds of high WC in the last 12 months, were greater in the tobacco-smoking group compared with the non-smoking group. However, more longitudinal studies are needed to verify the associations observed in the current study.

Kharameh cohort study (KHCS) on non-communicable diseases and preliminary findings of 3-year follow-up

PurposeThe Kharameh cohort study (KHCS) is one branch of the ‘Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran’, located in the south of Iran. The enrolment phase of KHCS spanned from April...

Intake of dietary branched-chain amino acids reduces odds of metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional study on the PERSIAN Kavar cohort study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is identified by the manifestation of a minimum of three out of five metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, abdominal obesity, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The present study aimed to assess the association between dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) intakes and MetS, due to available conflicting evidence. A total of 4,860 individuals who had participated in the baseline phase of the PERSIAN (Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN) Kavar cohort study were included in our study. The daily intake of valine, leucine, and isoleucine were evaluated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The association between dietary BCAA intake with MetS and its components was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. The mean intake of BCAA among the included subjects was 7.65 (standard deviation [SD]: 2.92), and the prevalence of MetS was found to be 49.2%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed an inverse association between 1-S.D. increment in dietary valine (odds ratio [OR] = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-0.94), leucine (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77-0.93), isoleucine (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76-0.93), and total BCAA (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77-0.93) intake and the odds of MetS. There were also a significant association between BCAA intakes and hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. We observed a significant inverse association between dietary BCAA intake and MetS, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, regardless of confounding factors.

Egg consumption and risk of cardiovascular disease: a PERSIAN cohort-based study

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the main causes of death worldwide. Data on the effect of eggs consumption on the risk of CVDs are still unreliable. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between CVDs and the consumption of eggs.MethodsIn this case-control study, the required data were extracted from the Prospective Epidemiologic Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) cohort in Sabzevar, Iran. A total of 4241 adults participated including 1535 patients with CVDs as the case group and 2706 healthy people as controls. Egg consumption was assessed using a valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).ResultsA significant association was observed between eggs consumption and stroke after adjustment for physical activity, body mass index (BMI), smoking, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), using alcohol, lipid profile, diabetes, and the intake of energy, lipid, protein, carbohydrate, and cholestrol (OR:1.007, 95% CI:1.001–1.013, P = 0.03). No association was found between egg consumption with hypertension, cardiac ischemia, and myocardial infarction.ConclusionsThere was a significant association between the consumption of eggs and stroke. However, more studies are needed to examine the effect of eggs on CVDs.

The profile of Oral Health Branch of Rafsanjan Cohort Study (OHBRCS) in Rafsanjan City, southeast of Iran

Oral health status can be affected by some factors including drug abuse, systemic conditions and environmental pollutants. The present study was designed to investigate the most important and prevalent dental and oral conditions in adult population of Rafsanjan with the age of 35–70 years. Dental and oral health cohort center as part of the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS) included in the prospective epidemiological research studies in IrAN was established in 2015. Of 9991 subjects enrolled in the RCS, 8682 people participated in the Oral Health Branch of Rafsanjan Cohort Study (OHBRCS).The OHBRCS included 4021 men and 4661 women with the mean age of 49.94 ± 9.51. The most prevalent of oral lesion in total population was candidiasis and the least was aphthous lesion. The prevalence of candidiasis, white and red lesions, periodontal pocket, dental calculus, CAL and the mean of DMFT were higher in the male group than that of female group (p < 0.05). Candidiasis, herpes, oral cancer, white and red lesions were more prevalent in the older age groups (p < 0.05). The mean of DMFT index in total population was 21.30 and was higher among opium users, men and older age (p < 0.05). Also, the opium users had a higher rate of CAL, periodontal pocket, red and white lesions, and candidiasis but a lower rate of BOP (p < 0.05). Younger people had more decayed and filling teeth compared to other age groups, whereas older people had more missing teeth and a higher DMFT index (p < 0.001).

Factors predicting age at menopause among Iranian women in the Bandare-Kong cohort study (a cross-sectional survey of PERSIAN cohort study)

BackgroundMenopause is a natural period in women’s life and can be affected by several factors. The aim of this study was to identify the associated factors for age of natural menopause and among women with early and premature menopause based on a cohort study in Iran.MethodsThis population-based study was conducted on 894 post menopause women between 35 and 70 years old who participated in the Bandare-Kong Non-Communicable Diseases (BKNCD) Cohort Study, a part of Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) from March 2016 to February 2019. All women completed a standard self-reported questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent t test, and ANOVA as well as a multivariable linear regression model.ResultsThe mean age at natural menopause was 48.31 ± 6.34 years. After adjusting other variables, gravida, history of cardiac disease, socioeconomic status and residence status were predictive of age at menopause (P < 0.001). Among the premature menopause group, the mean age at menopause was significantly higher among women with diabetes compared to women without diabetes group (35.68 ± 2.92 vs. 33.82 ± 3.06; P = 0.043), while the mean age at menopause was significantly lower in women with infertility compared to women without infertility (29.13 ± 5.22 vs. 34.84 ± 2.826; P = 0.048).ConclusionsThis study suggests that the predictors of menopausal age differed in women with premature menopause compared to overall menopause age. Prospective studies are needed to evaluation the effects of these factors on menopausal age.

The Association between Dietary Antioxidant Indices and Cardiac Disease: Baseline Data of Kharameh Cohort Study

Introduction: Oxidative stress contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease. Tools for evaluating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative characteristics of an individual’s diet as a whole may be valuable for assessing the combined effects of dietary antioxidants on health. This population-based study aimed to investigate the association between dietary antioxidants and cardiac disease.&#x0D; Methods: In this population-based cross-sectional study, 10439 individuals aged 40-70 years were recruited during 2014-2017 in Kherameh cohort study which is a part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN). The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 130 food items was used to assess the dietary intakes. Vitamin A, E, C, selenium, zinc and Manganese intakes were used to compute dietary antioxidant index (DAI) and dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQs). Chi-square and independent sample T-test was used for comparing qualitative and quantitative variables between the groups respectively Logistic regression analysis was applied for evaluating the association between cardiac disease, DAI and DAQS score after adjusting for covariates.&#x0D; Results: The participants’ mean age was 52.1±8.3 years. Among all, 4356 (41.7%) were overweight and 1892 (18.1%) were obese. According to the results, odds of cardiac diseases decreased by increasing DAI score (OR=0.80, P value&lt;0.001), Odds of cardiac diseases increased by lower DAQS after adjusting for demographic variables including age, sex, BMI, Marital status and hypertension (OR=0.799, P value=0.002).&#x0D; Conclusion: The role of anti-oxidants in reducing the odds of cardiovascular disease is very important. Our results highlighted that DAQS and DAI had protective effect on the odds of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is suggested that anti-oxidants as zinc, manganese, selenium, and vitamins A, E and C should be taken through food to reduce the risk of the disease.

Validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire assessing food group intake in the PERSIAN Cohort Study.

A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed for use in the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN Cohort), investigating non-communicable disease risk factors. This study aimed to assess the validity and reproducibility of this FFQ, through food group intake. Participants, recruited from seven PERSIAN cohort centers, completed the FFQ at the beginning of the study (FFQ1) and at the end (FFQ2), with a 12-month interval in between, during which two 24-h dietary recalls (24 h) were completed each month. Correlation coefficients of the median intake of food groups recorded by the FFQs were compared to those of the 24 h to assess validity, and the two FFQs were compared to assess reproducibility of findings. Overall, data from 978 participants were included in this validation analysis. Of the 26 food groups assessed, Tea, Sugars, Whole/Refined Grains, and Solid Fats/Oils, had the strongest correlations (0.6-0.79), while Red Meat, Chicken and Eggs showed moderate correlations (0.42-0.59). The weakest correlations observed belonged to Fresh fruit Juice and Other Meats (0.23-0.32). Reproducibility was assessed among those who completed both FFQ1 and FFQ2 (n = 848), revealing moderate to strong correlations in all food groups, ranging from 0.42 in Legumes to 0.72 in both Sugar and Sweetened Drinks. The PERSIAN Cohort FFQ is appropriate to rank individuals based on food group intake.