The Lifeways Cross-Generation Study: design, recruitment and data management considerations

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Established in 2001, the Lifeways Cross-Generation Cohort Study is Ireland's sole longitudinal family database.
• Recruited 1124 mothers during pregnancy (primarily in 2002), expanding to over 3,500 family participants.
• Addresses the absence of a unified national health information system in Ireland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a comprehensive, multi-generational health database.
• To facilitate the tracking of family members and their health data over time.
• To support epidemiological and public health research in Ireland.

Main Methods:

• Collected baseline self-reported health data from mothers, fathers, and grandparents.
• Integrated clinical hospital data, General Practitioner follow-up data (3-year), and linked hospital/vaccination records.
• Utilized a relational database system for data coordination and participant tracking.

Main Results:

• The study has amassed a significant longitudinal dataset from over 3,500 individuals across multiple family members.
• Data collection spans baseline, 3-year follow-up, and ongoing 5-year parent follow-ups (through 2007).
• Demonstrates successful integration of diverse data sources in the absence of a national health registry.

Conclusions:

• The Lifeways study provides a valuable, unique resource for cross-generational health research in Ireland.
• The methodology developed can inform future large-scale cohort studies, particularly in data-scarce environments.
• The database supports ongoing investigations into family health trajectories and determinants.