Marked changes in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes,
and cardiovascular disease have occurred in developed and developing countries in
recent decades. The overarching aim of the study is to examine the relationship of
societal influences on human lifestyle behaviors, cardiovascular risk factors, and
incidence of chronic noncommunicable diseases.
The Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study is a large-scale epidemiological
study that plans to recruit approximately 140,000 individuals residing in >600 communities
in 17 low-, middle-, and high-income countries around the world. Individual data collection
includes medical history, lifestyle behaviors (physical activity and dietary profile),
blood collection and storage for biochemistry and future genetic analysis, electrocardiogram,
and anthropometric measures. In addition, detailed information is being collected
with respect to 4 environmental domains of interest-the built environment, nutrition
and associated food policy, psychosocial/socioeconomic factors, and tobacco environment.
A minimum follow-up of 10 years is currently planned.
This report describes the design, justification, and methodology of the PURE study.
The PURE study has been recruiting since 2002 and has enrolled 139,506 individuals
by March 31, 2009.
The PURE study builds on the work and experience gained through conduct of the INTERHEART
study. Its design and extensive data collection are geared toward addressing major
questions on causation and development of the underlying determinants of cardiovascular
disease in populations at varying stages of epidemiologic transition.