2.1. Study Population

Between September and December 2022, a random sample of the adult population at risk for CVD was recruited out of the residents of the largest urban area in Eastern Romania. The study sample was not representative at a national level, yet, despite the small sample size, our findings may be applicable to a broader population. There are known differences in eating behaviors between different regions in Romania, as well as differences between rural and urban areas regarding access to health care providers and medical information. However, these populations share similar risk factors and demographics.

This cross-sectional study was developed through the collaboration of the regional network of family doctor practices and a privately owned chain of medical laboratories and diagnostic services with national representativeness. Data collection and blood sample collection were performed at a Synevo blood testing point in Iasi through a single study visit, in accordance with the cross-sectional design of the study, and the sample size was 2000 subjects. The Synevo blood testing point was selected due to the location’s accessibility for the population, the adequate testing space for a large number of people and the personnel capacity.

All participants provided written consent before any study procedure being performed and the patients participated anonymously in this study.