Exploring cardiovascular health: the Healthy Life in Suriname (HELISUR) study. A protocol of a cross-sectional study

Abstract

IntroductionObesity, hypertension and diabetes are on a dramatic rise in low-income and middle-income countries, and this foretells an overwhelming increase in chronic disease burden from cardiovascular disease. Therefore, rapid action should be taken through preventive population-based programmes. However, in these regions, data on the population distribution of cardiovascular risk factors, and of intermediate and final end points for cardiovascular disease are scarce. The Healthy Life in Suriname (HELISUR) study is a cardiovascular population study in Suriname, which is part of the Caribbean Community. The HELISUR study is dedicated to provide data on risk factors and prevalent cardiovascular disease in the multiethnic population, which is mainly of African and Asian descent.Methods and analysisIn a cross-sectional, observational population-based setting, a random representative sample of 1800 citizens aged between 18 and 70 years will be selected using a cluster household sampling method. Self-reported demographic, socioeconomic and (cardiovascular) health-related data will be collected. Physical examination will include the assessment of cardiovascular risk factors and prevalent cardiovascular disease. In addition, we will study cardiovascular haemodynamics non-invasively, as a novel intermediate outcome. Finally, fasting blood and overnight urine samples will be collected to monitor cardiometabolic risk factors. The main outcome will be descriptive in reporting the prevalence of risk factors and measures of (sub) clinical end organ damage, stratified for ethnicity and sex-age groups.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the State Secretary of Health. Data analysis and manuscript submission are scheduled for 2016. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, and at national, regional and international scientific meetings. Importantly, data will be presented to Surinamese policymakers and healthcare workers, to develop preventive strategies to combat the rapid rise of cardiovascular disease.

Health literacy in Suriname

“…However, in Suriname, a multiethnic, middle-income country with high cardiovascular risk in the main population groups of Asian and African descent (Diemer et al, 2014), we found moderate health literacy levels. Improvement of health literacy might be a practical approach to better implement preventive strategies, and this deserves further exploration in resource-limited countries.…”

The risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in women with uterine fibroids

“…This large cross‐sectional study, which included participants between February 2013 and July 2015, was designed to investigate CVD risk factors among different ethnic groups in Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. A detailed description of the study is reported elsewhere . In brief, 1800 participants, aged 18‐70 years old, were randomly sampled through a household sampling method.…”

“…A detailed description of the study is reported elsewhere. 20 In brief, 1800 participants, aged 18-70 years old, were randomly sampled through a household sampling method. The General Bureau of Statistics divided the capital into 1200 Census enumeration areas, consisting of 100-150 households, and randomly selected 18 enumeration areas stratified by ancestry.…”

Physical activity and obesity: is there a difference in association between the Asian- and African- Surinamese adult population?

“…A detailed description of the HELISUR study design and participant recruitment has been published previously [23]. In short, between February 2013 and July 2015 a total of 1800 randomly selected non-institutionalized individuals (18 to 70 years) living in the capital Paramaribo were contacted and interviewed at home by trained interviewers.…”

“…As such, the Healthy LIfe in SURiname (HELISUR) study was designed to describe the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, intermediate endpoints, and Physical activity and obesity: ethnic differences? 5 cardiovascular diseases among the different ethnic groups living within the capital Paramaribo [23]. The current report uses data from the HELISUR project to describe the association between obesity prevalence and PA characteristics (domain, duration and intensity) among the total population and across the Asian-and African-Surinamese population living in Paramaribo.…”