The HELIUS study

The HELIUS study is a prospective cohort study on health and health care 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 Academic Medical Center (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. 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 April 2019 the first participants will be invited for follow-up measurements. The data collection will be conducted in 2019-2021. A physical examination will be performed and blood and feces will be collected.

For more information on the study design and data collection, also see:

MB Snijder, H Galenkamp, M Prins, EM Derks, RJ Peters, AH Zwinderman, K Stronks. Cohort Profile: the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) study. BMJ Open 2017;7(12):e017873.

K Stronks, MB Snijder, RJ Peters, M Prins, AH Schene, AH Zwinderman. The impact of ethnicity on health in a Western society: the HELIUS study. BMC Public Health 2013;13:402.