What Is RODAM?

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) origin populations in Europe have increased substantially for the last few decades. Evidence suggests that the risk of type II diabetes and obesity is higher in these populations than in European host populations. By the same token, the prevalence of type II diabetes and obesity are on the rise in many SSA countries. The reasons for these observations are not well understood, given the absence of data on the relative importance of environmental and genetic factors.

In a multi-centre study, Ghanaians aged >25 years were recruited in rural and urban Ghana, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. The differences in prevalence rates within Ghana on the one hand,and three European countries on the other, allow us to unravel environmental and (epi)genetic factors in relation to type II diabetes and obesity.

Objectives

The principal objective of the RODAM project is to contribute to the understanding of the complex interplay between environment and genetics in the development of Type II diabetes and obesity among Africans migrants.

To achieve this, the specific objectives of the RODAM project are:
To assess differences in the prevalence of Type II diabetes and obesity among Ghanaian migrants in three European countries (Germany, Netherlands and the UK) and their compatriots inboth rural and urban Ghana;
To identify relevant (epi)genetic, biochemical, nutrition and lifestyle factors as well as social factors and their relative contribution to the risks of Type II diabetes and obesity among Ghanaians living in different locations, and to identify differences in the respective risk factor contributions between these location;
To explore the presence of interactions between (epi)genetic and lifestyle factors, particularly dietary behaviour and physical activity, in resident and migrating Ghanaians;
To gain in-depth insight into perception and knowledge of Type II diabetes and obesity among Ghanaian migrants and their compatriots in rural and urban Ghana. Use all new insights based on our findings to inform targeted intervention and prevention, and to provide a basis for improving diagnosis and treatment.
The RODAM study was supported by the European Commission under the Framework Programme (Grant Number: 278901), 
 the European Research Council (Grant Number: 772244) and the Amsterdam UMC.