Abstract
Objective: This study aims to follow long-term follow up of participants to assess changes in
health conditions, biochemical markers, genetic risks, and behaviors influencing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Additionally, the study involved establishing a health
database for monitoring urban working-age populations.
Method: Participants included staff members of the Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital and
their immediate relatives and individuals with continuous medical care rights at Siriraj Hospital.
Assessments include blood tests, body composition, urinalysis, behavior questionnaires, and
genetic studies, with some volunteers undergoing microbiome analysis. Health data is
collected 2-3 times per year, with full health checks every 3-5 years.
Results: Among 1,595 participants (370 males and 1,225 females), most of the participants
were obesity class 1 and their waist circumferences were higher than normal. One-third of the
participants had elevated average blood pressure and a diabetes incidence rate of 7.5%, with
significantly higher rates in males compared to females (P < 0.001). Males were significantly
more likely than females to engage in smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity (P
< 0.05). Additionally, a slight eating jetlag was associated with a significantly increased risk of
overweight (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.02–2.20, P = 0.038). Genetic analysis of 536 participants
revealed mutations in genes associated with an increased risk of genetic diseases, particularly
breast cancer, Wilson’s disease, and cardiomyopathy. Microbiome analysis of 124 participants
showed that the phylum Firmicutes were most prevalent in both obese and non-obese
groups, without statistically significant differences (ns).
Conclusion: This study identifies key risk factors associated with health conditions in urban
populations, focusing on overweight, high blood pressure, and diabetes risk. Genetic and
microbiome analyses elucidate the roles of genetic mutations and gut microbiota in the
development of NCDs, providing valuable insights for the formulation and advancement of
future disease prevention.
