The HELIUS study is a prospective cohort study on health and healthcare among an urban multi-ethnic population. The aim of the HELIUS study is to gain insight in the biological, psychological and social causes of the unequal burden of disease across ethnic groups, and ultimately enable the improvement of health care and prevention strategies.
The study is being carried out in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and is an initiative of the Amsterdam UMC, location AMC and the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam). The study focusses on three primary research areas: cardiovascular diseases (including diabetes); mental health, infectious diseases.
Baseline data collection took place in 2011-2015. Nearly 25.000 participants of Turkish, Moroccan, South-Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese, Ghanaian and Dutch origin were included in the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire/interview and a physical examination. Biological samples were obtained during study visits. In 2019-2021, all HELIUS participants will be invited for follow-up measurements. A physical examination will be performed, including the collection of biological samples.
You can find more information on the HELIUS cohort study website (in Dutch).
Meta-data of this cohort can be found on the website of GECCO.
APH contact person: Henrike Galenkamp
Contact: info@heliusstudie.nl