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Study Overview

NHLBI Brochure Article
The Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is a multi-center epidemiologic study in Hispanic/Latino populations to assess the role of acculturation in the prevalence and development of disease, and to identify factors playing a protective or harmful role in the health of Hispanics/Latinos. The target population of 16,000 persons of Hispanic/Latino origin, specifically Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, and Central/South American, were recruited through four Field Centers in Miami, San Diego, Chicago and the Bronx area of New York.

During 2008-2011 study participants aged 18-74 years underwent an extensive clinic exam and assessments to determine baseline risk factors. Annual follow-up interviews are conducted to determine health outcomes of interest.

During the 2014-2017 second clinic visit (Visit 2) participants were re-examined to again collect data predictive of various health outcomes of interest. The average time between the Baseline Visit and Visit 2 at approxiumately 6 years. In addition, a comprehensive reproductive history of women of childbearing age was assessed as well. The third clinic operations aka "visit" began January 2020 and will conclude in January 2024.

HCHS/SOL welcomes ancillary studies and scientific collaboration in the evaluation of HCHS/SOL data. Engagement of early career scientists is encouraged. Approximately 13,000 consenting HCHS/SOL participants were extensively genotyped. Analyses of these data by HCHS/SOL genetic epidemiology working groups and investigators from collaborating consortia are underway. Cross-study collaborations are welcome.

Study results are being disseminated through scientific journals and also conveyed to the communities involved in the study in order to improve public health at the local level. HCHS/SOL is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and six other institutes, centers, and offices of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) contributed to the first phase of the project.

 
Additional Information -
Databook teaser
In February 2014, the NIH presented a summary of medical research results of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos to the communities and participants from the largest health study of Hispanic/Latino populations in the United States. This report provides data from the first examination of participants who attended the study. It highlights health areas that are having a positive impact in these communities and those that need greater attention to improve lives.
 
The Genetic Analysis Center (GAC) at the University of Washington, Seattle was the working arm of the Genetic Studies Committee (GSC) of HCHS/SOL.  The Genetic Analysis Center performed genotypic data cleaning on genome-wide SNP microarray data for approximately 13,000 subjects for HCHS/SOL. The cleaned data, quality metrics and quality control report is used for downstream analyses and posted on the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP), which is housed at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).  The GAC provided statistical support to the HCHS/SOL genetic working groups to publish papers focusing on risk factors and traits of interest for specific conditions.  The NHLBI program officials facilitate the achievement of scientific goals and provide institutional oversight and guidance to the project.