PI: Mr SSR Choma
Africa is experiencing a rapid increase in adult obesity and associated cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs). The H3Africa AWI-Gen Collaborative Centre was established to examine genomic and environmental factors that influence body composition, body fat distribution, and CMD risk, with the aim of providing insights towards effective treatment and intervention strategies. It provides a research platform of over 10,500 participants, 40–60 years old, from Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa (Soweto and DIMAMO). Following a process that involved community engagement, training of project staff, and participant informed consent, participants provided a range of biological specimens, including blood, urine, and stool samples. Blood samples were used to test hormones, glucose, HbA1c, insulin, lipids, and creatinine levels, HIV, and to extract DNA for genetic analysis. Stool samples, when provided, were collected to examine bacterial DNA. Urine samples were used to assess kidney function. Anthropometric measurements, including weight, height, waist and hip circumference, and blood pressure, were taken. Additionally, grip strength and walking tests were conducted to assess physical capability and mobility. Each participant also underwent ultrasound imaging to assess internal fat deposits and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), offering insights into cardiovascular health. Participants were equipped with tri-axial accelerometers to wear on the wrist, waist, and thigh for a continuous nine-day period. This enabled detailed, minute-by-minute recording of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep patterns, offering objective data on lifestyle changes.
Aim of the study
AWI-Gen aims to study the long-term health consequences of rapidly changing environmental and demographic conditions in the context of African genome diversity, and to inform public health interventions to mitigate the rising burden of NCDs