Everything you need to know about taking part in the IMPaCT Cohort.
It's managed by CIBER through the Epidemiology and Public Health area of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), funded with public funds from ISCIII and the European Union. It's the largest Primary Care study in Spain, involving all of the regional Health Services and the INE (National Statistics Institute).
A type of study that evaluates a large number of people who share something in common. In IMPaCT: living in the health areas linked to the IMPaCT nodes and being between 16 and 79 years old. It simply observes health, without any kind of intervention.
Its goal is to understand the social, environmental, and biological determinants of health in Spain. In the future, it will become a major public research infrastructure for preventing disease, functional decline, and disability.
Selection is random and the invitation is personal — it does not extend to other people around you. This selection process ensures the study is representative of the population living in Spain.
Yes, you can stop taking part whenever you wish. Any data collected up to that point will remain part of the study.
Of course. The study's professionals will explain everything in detail. Feel free to ask any questions you need before deciding.
You'll be helping advance scientific knowledge and the health of future generations. You'll also learn about your own health status and take part in one of the most important projects in Spanish science.
You'll get a call from your Health Center for your first visit, where the study will be explained and your consent requested. Over several visits, you'll undergo physical tests, questionnaires, and sample collection (blood, urine, stool, and nails). All of this will be repeated every 5 years.
8 tubes in total, around 50 ml, with just a single needle stick — much less than a blood donation. The different tubes are needed because each contains a different substance to better analyze the sample.
Most of the tests are non-invasive. The only one considered invasive is the blood draw, which carries the same risk as any routine blood test.
Yes, all the physical tests are safe. That said, if you're pregnant or think you might be, please let the IMPaCT staff know.
Yes, you're welcome to bring someone with you if you'd like.
No, we'll only call you to arrange an appointment. If you receive a call asking for personal details or money on behalf of the IMPaCT Cohort, please contact your IMPaCT Center immediately.
No, participation is completely free.
Yes, we'll give you a proof-of-attendance document at each visit if you need one for your workplace or place of study.
Bring your health card with your social security number. On your first visit, we'll also need several contact phone numbers and the number of a family member or acquaintance.
For your ABPM visit, wear loose or short sleeves for the cuff. In general, come in comfortable clothing and footwear that's easy to remove, since one of the tests is similar to riding a stationary bike.
IMPaCT staff will let you know in advance which day your blood draw will take place so you can come fasting.