2.2. Measurements

The survey visit consisted of the administration of a standardized questionnaire, including a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, a blood sample for biochemical tests, and an ultrasonographic examination. Blood sampling was performed in the morning after overnight fasting and biochemical measures were recorded using standardized methods.

For the purposes of this research, we included: (a) a smoking habit categorized as previous/current vs. never; (b) body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, recorded by a trained physician or nurse using standardized methods; (c) blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), recorded once at the right arm; (d) daily energy and alcohol intake; (e) self-reported history of diabetes, gastric ulcer, previous cancer (more than five years beforethe interview), and acute myocardial infarction.