Background on the Environment and Child Health International Birth Cohort Group

Abstract

Large scale multidisciplinary birth cohort studies are being designed and implemented in several<BR>countries around the world to examine the effects of the environment on childrens growth, development andhealth. These studies feature investigation of behavioral, economic, environmental, genetic and psychosocialfactors on child growth and development with the goal of better understanding how to improve the health ofchildren. Study investigators will collect environmental samples and biospecimens, and administerquestionnaires, conduct interviews, or make observations about household characteristics, lifestyle, medicalcare, social interactions, and parents occupations. Investigators from several of the newer large-scale birthcohort studies (planned or ongoing in China, France, Germany, Japan, France, and the US) came together in2011 to form the Environment and Child Health International Birth Cohort Group to coordinate efforts toharmonize core elements of their studies. Harmonization provides an opportunity to share expertise and tocollaborate in the development of terminology, the selection of study visit measurements, and the collection andanalysis of data for exposures and outcomes of mutual interest. Results may lead to the development of bestpractices and opportunities for additional international cooperation. This presentation will describe thebackground of the Environment and Child Health International Birth Cohort Group and outline its progress todate.<BR>Quelle: 24th Annual Meeting ofThe International Society of Exposure Science: Exposure Science Integration to Protect Ecological Systems,Human Well-Being, and Occupational Health; Abstract Book ISES 2014 / International Society of Exposure Science, Cincinnati: 2014, S.234