Filipino researchers from the University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital (UP PGH) are currently studying factors contributing to the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among urban and rural communities in the country. The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) is supporting this project called “Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiologic Study (PURE),” which is now in the 9th year of its twelve-year run.

The shift in societal structures globally in the last few decades prompted the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) in Ontario, Canada, to launch the international PURE Project. With a total of 27 participating countries, it investigates the impact of modernization, urbanization, and globalization in health and the risk of diseases across the world. The study also aims to examine whether the impacts differ among high, middle, and low-income countries.

As one of the identified middle-income countries for PURE, the Philippine study is led by Dr. Antonio L. Dans of the University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital. Dr. Dans’ team focuses on the relationship of the following variables to a person’s lifestyle choices that affect health:

• built environment or all man-made spaces that an individual occupies
• nutrition,
• policy,
• socio-economic factors, and tobacco use 

Data generated by PURE will provide knowledge and novel discoveries on the relationship between societal factors among urban and rural populations on individual lifestyles, and the risk of acquiring CVD. If causality between the two is proven, the study may guide policies and encourage efforts that can mitigate the effects of rapid societal changes.

Ultimately, the project aims to develop a cardiovascular risk calculator specific for Filipinos using data from the study. Awareness of one’s risk for CVD may help in making informed health choices and in seeking preventative measures, especially for high-risk individuals.

The identified study sites are located in one urban site in Tondo, a private subdivision in Metro Manila, and a rural site in Quezon Province. Protocol refinements and standardization of methods, baseline data collection, and participant recruitment have been completed. Currently, follow-ups with study participants are being conducted. 

The PURE Project will be featured in the DOST-PCHRD’s press conference series, Talakayang HeaRT Beat, to be held on 20 April 2022 from 10AM to 12NN. DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña is set to present updates on the project. DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Jaime Montoya, project leader Dr. Antonio Dans, DOST-PCHRD S&T Fellow Dr. Aimee Yvonne Aman, and DOST-PCHRD R&D program mentor Ms. Guiddita Gelera will be present to answer questions regarding the study.