participants
Welcome, Participants!On behalf of the LSAHA team, we extend a warm welcome to our website! LSAHA (the
Lebanon Study on Aging and Health) is grateful for your decision to participate in this important study. The purpose of LSAHA is to further our understanding of how adults in Lebanon age, how they can live a healthy life in older age and which types of health risks and challenges they may face. Through your participation, you are providing valuable new data on the health and well-being of Lebanon’s older population that will be critical in shaping the future of healthy aging in Lebanon. We encourage you to explore our website and learn more about LSAHA. Thank you once again for being a participant in LSAHA. We look forward to continuing this journey with you!
Participant Testimonials
Your Impact
Thanks to the contributions of participants, LSAHA is recognized as Lebanon’s leading study on health and aging
This section provides links to information packets and essential details relevant to your participation in the study, ensuring you have all necessary resources at your fingertips.
Download our essential resources to support healthy aging and recognize early signs of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Our downloadable packets provide valuable insights and guidance to help you or your loved ones stay informed and proactive.
1. LSAHA Booklet on Healthy Aging (Arabic)
2. LSAHA Booklet on Healthy Aging (English)
3. Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and other Related Dementias (ADRD) (Arabic)
4. Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and other Related Dementias (ADRD) (English)
Connect with NGOs and primary health centers that are here to support you and your loved ones. Download our list of trusted organizations and health facilities for assistance with dementia care, aging resources, and health services. Take the next step in finding the help and information you need for better, healthier aging.
1. List of Primary Healthcare Centers in Beirut and Zahle (Arabic)
2. List of NGOs for referral (Arabic)
3. List of NGOs for referral (English)
Study Procedure
Your individual privacy and the confidentiality of the information you provide in the baseline interview as well as in follow-up visits will be maintained. Your name and identifying information will never be revealed. Your participation is entirely voluntary. LSAHA study staff will screen all households within randomly selected areas in Zahle and Beirut and all adults in these households 60 years and over will be invited to participate. The study consists of four components:
Step 1: Face-to-face interview
The first component is a face-to-face interview with you. Trained data collectors will ask you a series of standardized questions about your sociodemographic background, the presence of chronic diseases and related questions about your health, and your social relationships and social support. Other questions ask about your experiences with events during the civil war and other periods of conflict in Lebanon, the care you receive for your health needs, and the care you give to others with health needs. The data collectors will also administer several tests of cognitive ability, such as memory tests and tests of word knowledge to you.
Step 3: Blood Sample
The third component includes a blood draw if you have agreed to donate a blood sample. The data collectors will set up an appointment for a nurse with certified training to come to your house and draw a blood sample which will be used for several tests of your health, such as blood tests of your cardiovascular health, glucose tolerance, and other medical conditions. Blood samples will be analyzed at AUBMC and you will receive the results as soon as they are available, at no cost to you. You can follow up with your physician or a nearby health center with the results of your blood tests if you want. With your permission, a small amount of blood will be frozen for future testing for other medical conditions.
Step 2: Physical measurements
The second component of the interview includes a series of physical measurements. The data collectors will measure your blood pressure, your weight and height, and the strength in your hand. They will also conduct a couple of simple tests of your mobility and balance.
Step 4: Informant interview
The fourth component is an interview with an informant; that is, a person that is selected by you and who knows about your health and everyday functioning. The informant is usually a spouse, a son or daughter, but could also be another family member, or a friend or neighbor. The data collectors will contact the informants by phone and ask them a short series of questions about your health and changes in your health in the recent past.
Step 1: Face-to-face interview
The first component is a face-to-face interview with you. Trained data collectors will ask you a series of standardized questions about your sociodemographic background, the presence of chronic diseases and related questions about your health, and your social relationships and social support. Other questions ask about your experiences with events during the civil war and other periods of conflict in Lebanon, the care you receive for your health needs, and the care you give to others with health needs. The data collectors will also administer several tests of cognitive ability, such as memory tests and tests of word knowledge to you.
Step 2: Physical measurements
The second component of the interview includes a series of physical measurements. The data collectors will measure your blood pressure, your weight and height, and the strength in your hand. They will also conduct a couple of simple tests of your mobility and balance.
Step 3: Blood Sample
The third component includes a blood draw if you have agreed to donate a blood sample. The data collectors will set up an appointment for a nurse with certified training to come to your house and draw a blood sample which will be used for several tests of your health, such as blood tests of your cardiovascular health, glucose tolerance, and other medical conditions. Blood samples will be analyzed at AUBMC and you will receive the results as soon as they are available, at no cost to you. You can follow up with your physician or a nearby health center with the results of your blood tests if you want. With your permission, a small amount of blood will be frozen for future testing for other medical conditions.
Step 4: Informant interview
The fourth component is an interview with an informant; that is, a person that is selected by you and who knows about your health and everyday functioning. The informant is usually a spouse, a son or daughter, but could also be another family member, or a friend or neighbor. The data collectors will contact the informants by phone and ask them a short series of questions about your health and changes in your health in the recent past.
What is the primary goal of the study?
The goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of all the factors that contribute to memory loss and dementia among older adults in Lebanon. This will help us develop methods and interventions to prevent dementia and give older adults in Lebanon a better chance to have a long and healthy life.
Is the study safe?
The study is safe. There may be minimal discomfort or stress associated with some aspects of the study such as cognitive tests and blood sample collection. We have procedures in place that will minimize any risk. The survey will be administered by trained data collectors and blood sample collection will be done by trained medical personnel.
Can I withdraw from the study if I choose to do so?
Yes, participation in the LSAHA study is completely voluntary. You can refuse to participate or, even if you agree at the beginning, you can withdraw your participation at any time during the course of the study.
What is the purpose of collecting blood samples?
The blood sample collected will be used to test for biomarkers known to be associated with dementia and other common chronic diseases of older age.
Who is eligible to participate?
The study is open to adults aged 60 years and above from randomly selected neighborhoods in the Caza of Zahle and the city of Beirut.
How do I benefit if I participate in LSAHA?
There is no direct benefit to you for participating in the LSAHA study. However, your participation will help us identify important risk factors for dementia and understand the health needs of older adults in Lebanon. Ultimately this information will be translated into programs to make aging a better experience.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes, all the personal information we will collect as part of the study will be kept confidential and strict data privacy protocols are in place to protect your identity.
Do I get compensated for participating in the study?
We will offer you a small amount as a token of appreciation for your time commitment to the study. The amount is 400,000LL per participant.
How many participants are involved in the study?
The study will include 3,000 older adults living in selected neighborhoods in the Caza of Zahle and the city of Beirut.
IRB Information
If you have concerns, complaints, or general questions about the study, or your rights as a participant, you may wish to contact the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)-Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the American University of Beirut:
Tel: +961 1 350 000 or 1 374 374, ext: 5445
Email: irb@aub.edu.lb
PO Box: 11-0236 F15 Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020 Lebanon
Lebanon Study on Aging and HeAlth
Faculty of Health Sciences
American Univesity of Beirut
P.O.Box 11-0236 F15 Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020 Lebanon
