The aim of the project is to develop a comprehensive protocol for the nationally representative SI.Health study, which will assess the presence and prevalence of risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, and analyse the nutritional status and other health indicators among the adult population of Slovenia. 

Project co-financed by



 


Participating research organisations

• Participating research organisations

  • Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana (leading organisation)
  • National Institute of Public Health
  • University Medical Centre Ljubljana

  Financing

  • Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS)
  • Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia

  Project leader

  • prof. dr Živa Lavriša

  Project operation

  1.10.2024 - 30.9.2027

  Chronic Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), are the leading cause of death in Slovenia and globally.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) annually claim 41 million lives, accounting for 74 % of all deaths worldwide. These diseases predominantly affect the adult population, although all demographic groups are at risk. Each year, 17 million people die from NCDs before the age of 70, with 86 % of these premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. 

  Nutrition and lifestyle are key factors in either increasing risk or preventing the development of various chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Risk factors contributing to the development of NCDs include lack of physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, insufficient physical exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption. One of the significant risk factors is inadequate nutrition, characterized by high intake of saturated fats, sugars, salt, and low consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fibre. Globally common chronic NCDs include cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), strokes, diabetes, and cancer. Cardiovascular diseases include a wide range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, primarily caused by atherosclerosis, which involves the buildup of fatty deposits in arterial walls, narrowing the vessels and obstructing blood flow. Contributing factors include elevated levels of harmful blood lipids (LDL cholesterol), smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Additional risk factors for CVDs include unhealthy lifestyle, heredity, age, male gender, diabetes, and elevated blood sugar levels. Obesity or in increased body mass, often caused by poor nutrition and lack of physical activity, further elevate the risk of developing chronic diseases. Despite the global increase in obesity, some population groups still experience deficiencies in essential nutrients, particularly micronutrients. 

  Understanding the role of risk factors in NCD development and nutritional status of the population requires cross-sectional studies investigating their lifestyle, health, and nutritional status. These studies are essential for shaping effective public health measures as they provide reliable scientific data critical for informed public health decisions. 

  Abstract

  The aim of the proposed project is to develop a comprehensive protocol for the national representative study SI.Health, which will evaluate the presence and prevalence of risk factors for chronic Non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, and analyse the nutritional status and other health indicators among Slovenia's adult population.  The developed research protocol will include various methods to assess nutritional status, lifestyle, and NCD risk factors. Following protocol development, a pilot study will be conducted on a selected target group to test the feasibility of the planned methods and procedures and to identify potential issues that might affect data collection and analysis in the subsequent national SI.Health study.  Feedback from the pilot study will guide the optimization and adjustment of the research protocol to meet practical requirements and ensure accurate, reliable, and valid data collection during the national study. This step is crucial to ensure that the national SI.Health study is based on tested and optimised methods, enhancing the quality, applicability, international comparability of results, and cost-effectiveness of the study.  The final phase of the project will involve preparing a detailed plan for the national SI.Health study, including a precise timeline and budget plan, outlining all key research phases and resources needed for implementation. Potential (co)funding sources will also be identified to ensure the study's feasibility. 

  Project objectives

  • O1: Development of the protocol for the national SI.Health study (an expanded SI.Menu II survey) to assess the presence of NCD risk factors, including cardiovascular diseases, their prevalence, nutritional status, and other health indicators.
  • O2: Conduction of the SI.Health pilot study on a smaller selected target group to test the feasibility and optimize research methods and procedures.
  • O3: Adjustment of the SI.Health research protocol based on the results of the pilot study.
  • O4: Preparation pf a plan for implementing the national SI.Health study.