Tianshan Community Cohort Establishment and Follow-up

Overview

This population-based cohort study on disease prevention and health promotion was established in northwest China, leveraging data from routine annual health examinations. Initiated in January 2016, the cohort enrolled nearly all residents aged 18 years and older who were registered at community healthcare centers. The program was developed to provide a comprehensive framework for disease prevention and community health promotion, with the aim of producing population-based evidence across a broad spectrum of diseases in the general population. At baseline, data were collected on participant demographics, medical and family histories, disability status, living environment, and blood biochemical parameters. Follow-up information is primarily obtained through chronic disease management programs, annual health examinations, and electrical health records. Cause-specific mortality is ascertained from local death registration systems. Biological specimens, questionnaire data, and electrical health records are systematically archived in the Biobank and Big Data Center of the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

This research is conducted through population-based health examinations among residents in northwest China. By providing annual health assessments, structured health education, and community-based health promotion activities, the study aims to enhance health awareness, identify determinants of disease, implement targeted interventions to improve lifestyle behaviors, reduce modifiable risk factors, and promote overall community health. The cohort integrates data from multiple sources- including health assessments, electronic health records, mortality registries, statistical yearbooks, and environmental datasets- encompassing a wide range of health-related information, such as demographics, lifestyle factors, family and personal medical histories, living conditions, enrollment in national public health services, physical examinations, laboratory tests, diagnostic assessments, disease outcomes, and cause-specific mortality. Event-driven follow-up data are obtained from 163 hospitals and 63 Traditional Chinese Medicine hospitals, covering all secondary and tertiary-level hospitals in the region. Inpatient data are systematically documented by qualified medical personnel and entered into an electronic health information system. All disease diagnoses are coded according to the 10th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Mortality data, including the timing and specific cause of death, are primarily obtained through local death registration systems.