[Methodology of the Pelotas birth cohort study from 1982 to 2004-5, Southern Brazil]

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• The Pelotas (Southern Brazil) birth cohort initiated in 1982.
• Included 6,011 newborns, with 5,914 live births enrolled in follow-up.
• Established a foundation for long-term health and developmental research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the methodologies used in a 23-year longitudinal study of children born in Pelotas.
• To establish a framework for investigating early life exposures and adult health.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of birth cohort studies in developing nations.

Main Methods:

• Conducted eight follow-up assessments between 1982 and 2004-5.
• Utilized questionnaires for mothers and participants, alongside anthropometric and clinical examinations.
• Employed city census data to enhance participant location and retention.

Main Results:

• Achieved high participant retention rates over 23 years, with 77.4% located in the final follow-up (mean age 23 years).
• Demonstrated successful participant tracking through census-preceded follow-ups.
• Collected extensive demographic, socioeconomic, and health data for exposure variable analysis.

Conclusions:

• Birth cohort studies are viable and effective in developing countries.
• The employed life-cycle study methods facilitate the examination of early exposures' impact on adult disease.
• This research provides valuable insights into developmental origins of health and disease.