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Key Features This cohort was established to determine the incidence and burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a sub-rural area of Urmia and to provide a platform for future studies in identifying risk factors associated with prevalent NCDs. Google Scholar Google Preview OpenURL Placeholder Text WorldCat COPAC 10 Eimanifar A, Mohebbi F. Urmia Lake (northwest Iran): a brief review. Google Scholar PubMed OpenURL Placeholder Text WorldCat 3 Eghtesad S, Mohammadi Z, Shayanrad A et al. Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS Google Preview WorldCat COPAC 17 Whish-Wilson P. The Aral Sea environmental health crisis. [Extracted from the article]

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 76% of deaths in Iran, and this number is on the rise, in parallel with global rates. Many risk factors associated with NCDs are preventable; however, it is first necessary to conduct observational studies to identify relevant risk factors and the most appropriate approach to controlling them. Iran is a multiethnic country; therefore, in 2014 the Ministry of Health and Medical Education launched a nationwide cohort study--Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN)--in order to identify the most prevalent NCDs among Iran's ethnic groups and to investigate effective methods of prevention. The PERSIAN study consists of 4 population-based cohorts; the adult component (the PERSIAN Cohort Study), described in this article, is a prospective cohort study including 180,000 persons aged 35-70 years from 18 distinct areas of Iran. Upon joining the cohort, participants respond to interviewer-administered questionnaires. Blood, urine, hair, and nail samples are collected and stored. To ensure consistency, centrally purchased equipment is sent to all sites, and the same team trains all personnel. Routine visits and quality assurance/control measures are taken to ensure protocol adherence. Participants are followed for 15 years post enrollment. The PERSIAN study is currently in the enrollment phase; cohort profiles will soon emerge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]