Ogliastra Project: Epidemiological Survey

As a part of Ogliastra Project we present preliminary data about the first phase of an epidemiological survey led in a geographically, culturally and genetically isolated population of Sardinia. In particular, we focus our study in a region of Eastern-central Sardinia called Ogliastra, whose population has been demographically stable without massive immigration because of geographic barriers. Population structure of Ogliastra consists of 23 small isolated villages, presenting high endogamy and inbreeding. Furthermore, centenarian cultural isolation and conservatism has generated a great deal of homogeneity in life style and eating habits. Our survey took place in Perdasdefogu, an Ogliastra village of about 2400 inhabitants. Study design is a cross sectional survey aimed at determining prevalence of diseases presenting familial aggregation. Enrollment in the study is based on voluntary participation of the population who gave informed consent. Almost 1400 people, ranging from age 3 to 97 years, underwent an extensive evaluation comprehensive of blood sample tests, anthropometrical and blood pressure measurements, a structured interview to collect socio-demographic data, living habits, exposure to most common risk factors, medical and medication history, information about familial disorders and a physical examination. Clinics for examining people and collecting and analyzing blood samples are all located at the same center in Perdasdefogu. Our physicians examined all people participating in the study and they entered all data on PCs using an electronic medical record based on the structured interview drawn up by the study group. Such an electronic medical record is made of several modules allowing consultation of a pharmacological archive in order to correctly enter medicines taken by patients , consultation of the ICD IX for the correct pathological classification and of an anatomic and semeiotic archive in order to better define the physical examination. The common purpose of every module is to obtain standardized information. All collected data are then automatically transferred to a central database located in Cagliari where they are added to the genealogical and genetic information in order to be available, to authorized personnel, for statistical analysis. Preliminary results will be presented.