The Shahdieh Yazd Cohort Study, conducted as a sub‑study of the national PERSIAN Cohort Study, is one of the strategic and foundational projects in the field of epidemiology of non‑communicable diseases in Iran. The study was designed and implemented over a ten‑year period (2013–2023) with the aim of identifying patterns of prevalence, incidence, and major risk factors affecting the health of the adult population in the Shahdieh region of Yazd Province.
This research was conducted as a population‑based longitudinal study. Eligible residents were comprehensively assessed at baseline and subsequently followed at regular intervals. The longitudinal design enables the analysis of health dynamics over time, the evaluation of changes in risk factors, and the investigation of potential causal relationships between exposures and health outcomes.
Within this study, extensive data have been collected in multiple domains, including demographic characteristics, lifestyle and behavioral factors, dietary patterns, physical activity, tobacco use, psychological status, personal and family medical history, as well as clinical and laboratory indicators. The use of standardized protocols for data collection, validated measurement instruments, and specialized training of the research staff are among the strengths of the project, ensuring high data quality and accuracy.
Furthermore, the long‑term follow‑up infrastructure for participants provides the opportunity to evaluate the incidence of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer, and other chronic conditions within real‑life settings. In addition, biological samples—including blood, urine, hair, and nail specimens—have been collected from the cohort population of 10,000 participants and are preserved in dedicated biobank facilities for future research.
Beyond its scientific and research value, the study offers a reliable and extensive platform for graduate theses, multidisciplinary research projects, and the development of scientific collaborations at both national and international levels. Continuous follow‑up of participants and ongoing analysis of the collected data create valuable opportunities for generating robust evidence to support improvements in healthcare systems and the promotion of population health. By establishing a rich longitudinal database, the Shahdieh Yazd Cohort Study represents one of the most important research assets in Iran in the field of population health.