Overview
This study aims to establish the first county-level, population-based prospective cohort in Taining County, Fujian Province, China. The cohort will include at least 20,000 residents aged 18 years or older. The project will systematically collect questionnaires, physical measurements, laboratory tests, imaging data, and biological samples to build a multi-dimensional health database and biobank. Through 3-year follow-up, the study seeks to reveal the epidemiological patterns and risk factors of chronic diseases, characterize the natural course of multimorbidity and aging syndromes, and develop a comprehensive chronic disease management model suitable for rural and mountainous regions.
Description
China is undergoing rapid population aging, with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) becoming the leading cause of death and disability. Taining County, located in a mountainous area of Fujian Province, faces a higher-than-average aging population and a growing burden of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases. Early detection and standardized management remain insufficient, and healthcare resources are limited. This study will establish a prospective cohort covering ≥20,000 residents, integrating demographic, lifestyle, clinical, laboratory, and imaging data. Active follow-up will be conducted annually, complemented by passive follow-up through local healthcare and death registry systems. The study will (1) identify epidemiological features and risk factors of common chronic diseases, (2) explore multimorbidity and aging trajectories, and (3) develop a replicable "Taining Model" for chronic disease prevention and management at the county level. The results will provide an evidence base for public health decision-making and chronic disease control strategies in similar rural and mountainous regions.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age ≥18 years, male or female.
- Resident of Taining County for ≥6 months and expected to remain in the county for at least the next 3 years.
- Full civil capacity and able to understand study procedures.
- Willing to voluntarily participate and provide written informed consent.
- Able to complete baseline survey and follow-up visits.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Refusal to sign informed consent.
- Severe psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment preventing participation.
- End-stage disease with expected survival \<1 year.
- Long-term migrants (≥6 months per year outside the county), unable to guarantee follow-up.
- Participation in other clinical studies that may interfere with this research.