title: Nigerian Population Research on Environment, Gene and Health (NIPREGH) - objectives and protocol.
abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa is currently undergoing an epidemiological transition from a disease burden largely attributable to communicable diseases to that resulting from a combination of both communicable and chronic non-communicable diseases. Data on chronic disease incidence, lifestyle, environmental and genetic risk factors are sparse in this region. This report aimed at providing relevant information in respect to risk factors that increase blood pressure and lead to development of intermediate cardiovascular phenotypes. We presented the rationale, objectives and key methodological features of the Nigerian Population Research on Environment, Gene and Health (NIPREGH) study. The challenges encountered in carrying out population study in this part of the world and the approaches at surmounting them were also presented. The preliminary data as at 20 November 2013 showed that out of the 205 individuals invited starting from early April 2013, 160 (72 women) consented and were enrolled; giving a response rate of 78%. Participants' age ranged from 18 to 80 years, with a mean (SD) of 39.8 (12.4) years and they were of 34 different ethnic groups spread over 24 states out of the 36 states that constitute Nigeria. The mean (SD) of office and home blood pressures were 113.0 (15.2) mm Hg systolic, 73.5 (12.5) mm Hg diastolic and 117.3 (15.0) mm Hg systolic, and 76.0 (9.6) mm Hg diastolic, respectively. Forty-three (26.8%) participants were hypertensive and 8 (5.0%) were diabetic. In addition to having the unique potential of recruiting a cohort that is a true representative of the entire Nigerian population, NIPREGH is feasible and the objectives realisable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria. ; Studies Coordinating Centre, Division of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Augustine N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Odili
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical, Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
authors.forename: John O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Ogedengbe
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical, Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Maxwell
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nwegbu
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Felicia O
authors.initials: FO
authors.lastname: Anumah
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical, Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Asala
authors.affiliation: Studies Coordinating Centre, Division of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. ; Department of Epidemiology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. ; Department of Epidemiology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Jan A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Staessen
keywords: Africa, black populations, blood pressure, hypertension, population science