HEalthy LIfe in an Urban Setting (HELIUS): a prospective cohort study on health and health care utillization among different ethnic groups in Amsterdam

As a result of immigration, Western European societies are becoming
increasingly ethnically diverse. In the Netherlands, approximately 10% of the
population is of non-Western origin and by 2050 this percentage will increase
to 16%. Despite the enormous growth of ethnic minorities, these groups are
usually excluded in health (care) studies, given the difficulties which are
anticipated in gathering data among these groups. Yet, previous studies provide
indications that health status and risk factors for chronic diseases are not
similar for different ethnic groups, and that current health care services are
insufficiently culturally competent. The need to understand the epidemiological
profile of ethnic minority populations is the main arguments to start a large,
population based study on health and health care utilization among six ethnic
groups in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This study is called HELIUS, which is an
acronym for HEalthy Life in an Urban Setting.

The general objective of HELIUS is to describe (trends in) patterns of chronic
conditions across six ethnic groups over time, and to unravel the causes of
(the unequal burden) of chronic diseases across ethnic groups, with an emphasis
on cardiovascular diseases, mental health (i.e. depression and substance use
disorders), and infectious diseases. Health care utilization and nutrition,
are two important themes in HELIUS in relation to these diseases.

HELIUS is a multi-ethnic, prospective cohort study. After baseline examination,
follow-up examinations are planned at 5-year intervals.

The current study is an observational study, so no adverse or serious adverse
events are to be expected. There is no direct benefit for the participants. Due
to the extensive health examination, potential benefit may be derived from
early detection of diseases.