Cohort Profile of a Longitudinal Study on Non-Communicable Diseases in Employees in Northwest Iran Publisher



Mahram M ; Jafari E ; Yazdani A ; Alatab S ; Khoshkchali A ; Amerzadeh M ; Raeisvandi A ; Osooli M ; Hosseinkhani Z
Source: Discover public health Published:2026

Abstract

Background: The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rising in Iran, contributing to many years of quality of life lost and premature deaths. Monitroing NCDs and related risk factors are crucial for prevention and resource allocation. Objectives: This article describes the study design, progress, and baseline characteristics of the Qazvin Employees’ Health Cohort Study. Methods: In this cohort study, eligible participants were employees of the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran. Data were collected through interviews and physical exams, covering various health aspects. Participants will be followed annually using telephone interviews to track their health outcomes. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and χ² analyses were conducted using Stata, version 14. Results: Between 2021 and 2022, 1,250 adult employees (% 56.56 males) were recruited. Thyroid disease (20.6% vs. 4.9%, p < 0.001), depression (9.4% vs. 5.3%, p = 0.014), and chronic headache (12.1% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001) were more frequently observed among women. In contrast, kidney stones (p < 0.001), elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) were more prevalent among men. Also, women had significantly more favorable biochemical profiles than men in red blood cell indices, triglycerides, SGOT, and HDL cholesterol (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study provides insights into NCD prevalence and risk factors among employees. It emphasizes that sex is a significant determinant of both morbidity and metabolic health, underscoring the need for sex-specific approaches in clinical assessment, preventive care, and targeted interventions to address differential risk profiles and promote healthier lifestyles. Future phases will address gaps, add data, and integrate with the Iran Cohort Consortium. © The Author(s) 2026.