The Ragama Health Study: the methodology of the prospective cohort study for the establishment of diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome in Sri Lankans

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sri Lanka is in the midst of the epidemiologic transition with non-communicable diseases being a leading cause of death and hospitalization. This pilot study is a part of an international study conducted by the International Medical Centre of Japan (IMCJ) in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, University ofKelaniya. OBJECTIVE; To determine the prevalence of major metabolic disorders and to establish diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome in the Sri Lankan population as a pilot study. DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: A random sample of 3500 adults 35-64 years was selected from the electoral register. Houses of selected subjects were visited and the selected subject invited to participate in the study. Subjects were instructed to fast for 12 hours and refrain from smoking and consumption of alcohol overnight prior to presenting at the Family Medicine clinic of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. At the clinic, subjects were assigned an unique identification number and a detailed history taken and investigations carried out. Heights, weights, blood pressure and waist and hip circumference were measured using standard techniques. Subjects underwent an ultrasound scan of the liver and a sample of blood was obtained for full. blood count, blood picture, lipid profile, serurn insulin, serum alanine transferase, fasting blood sugar and for genetic analysis. Samples of blood for genetic analysis have been stored at -30° C until further analysis. In addition, subjects were administered a food frequency questionnaire and an assessment of daily physical activities recorded. All subjects with abnormal results of investigations are being followed up.