Cohort profile: the avon longitudinal study of parents and children: ALSPAC mothers cohort

Fraser, A. et al. (2013) Cohort profile: the avon longitudinal study of parents and children: ALSPAC mothers cohort. International Journal of Epidemiology, 42(1), pp. 97-110. (doi: 10.1093/ije/dys066)

Abstract

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Children and Parents (ALSPAC) was established to understand how genetic and environmental characteristics influence health and development in parents and children. All pregnant women resident in a defined area in the South West of England, with an expected date of delivery between 1st April 1991 and 31st December 1992, were eligible and 13 761 women (contributing 13 867 pregnancies) were recruited. These women have been followed over the last 19–22 years and have completed up to 20 questionnaires, have had detailed data abstracted from their medical records and have information on any cancer diagnoses and deaths through record linkage. A follow-up assessment was completed 17–18 years postnatal at which anthropometry, blood pressure, fat, lean and bone mass and carotid intima media thickness were assessed, and a fasting blood sample taken. The second follow-up clinic, which additionally measures cognitive function, physical capability, physical activity (with accelerometer) and wrist bone architecture, is underway and two further assessments with similar measurements will take place over the next 5 years. There is a detailed biobank that includes DNA, with genome-wide data available on >10 000, stored serum and plasma taken repeatedly since pregnancy and other samples; a wide range of data on completed biospecimen assays are available. Details of how to access these data are provided in this cohort profile.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Nelson, Professor Scott
• Authors: Fraser, A., Macdonald-Wallis, C., Tilling, K., Boyd, A., Golding, J., Davey Smith, G., Henderson, J., Macleod, J., Molloy, L., Ness, A., Ring, S., Nelson, S.M., and Lawlor, D.A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: International Journal of Epidemiology
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0300-5771
• ISSN (Online): 1464-3685
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Epidemiology 42(1):97-110
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License