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Growth, development and health from early fetal life until young adulthood: the Generation R Study

Albert Hofman1, Vincent W V Jaddoe, Johan P Mackenbach

  • 1Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Centre, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. a.hofman@erasmusmc.nl

Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
|January 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The Generation R Study tracks urban children's growth, development, and health from prenatal stages to young adulthood, identifying key influencing factors for better health strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Epidemiology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The Generation R Study is a prospective, population-based cohort study initiated in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
  • It aims to investigate growth, development, and health in a multiethnic urban population from fetal life to young adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize normal and abnormal growth, development, and health trajectories in children.
  • To identify biological, social, and environmental determinants impacting child health.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of current health strategies for at-risk populations.

Main Methods:

  • An integrated approach combining epidemiological, clinical, and basic research methods.
  • Data collection through physical examinations, questionnaires, interviews, ultrasound, and biological samples.
  • Longitudinal monitoring of approximately 10,000 children from early fetal life.

Main Results:

  • The study focuses on four key research areas: physical development, behavioral/cognitive development, childhood diseases, and maternal/child healthcare.
  • Pilot phase testing of logistics commenced in December 2001, with full recruitment starting in 2002.

Conclusions:

  • The Generation R Study provides a comprehensive dataset for understanding child development and health determinants.
  • Findings will inform the development of optimized health and healthcare strategies for pregnant women and children.

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