The Generation R Study: design and cohort update 2010

TLDR

The Generation R Study is a population‑based prospective cohort from fetal life to young adulthood, designed to inform strategies that optimize health and healthcare for pregnant women and children. The study aims to identify early environmental and genetic causes of normal and abnormal growth, development, and health across fetal life, childhood, and adulthood. The cohort includes 9,778 mothers recruited between April 2002 and January 2006, with extensive data collection on mothers, fathers, and children—questionnaires, physical and ultrasound examinations, behavioural observations, biological samples, a genome‑wide association screen, and detailed assessments from age 5 onward—across four research domains: growth and physical development, behavioural and cognitive development, childhood diseases, and maternal and child health and healthcare. General follow‑up rates until age 4 exceed 75%.

Abstract

The Generation R Study is a population-based prospective cohort study from fetal life until young adulthood. The study is designed to identify early environmental and genetic causes of normal and abnormal growth, development and health during fetal life, childhood and adulthood. The study focuses on four primary areas of research: (1) growth and physical development; (2) behavioural and cognitive development; (3) diseases in childhood; and (4) health and healthcare for pregnant women and children. In total, 9,778 mothers with a delivery date from April 2002 until January 2006 were enrolled in the study. General follow-up rates until the age of 4 years exceed 75%. Data collection in mothers, fathers and preschool children included questionnaires, detailed physical and ultrasound examinations, behavioural observations, and biological samples. A genome wide association screen is available in the participating children. Regular detailed hands on assessment are performed from the age of 5 years onwards. Eventually, results forthcoming from the Generation R Study have to contribute to the development of strategies for optimizing health and healthcare for pregnant women and children.