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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Cohort Profile: the China-Anhui Birth Cohort Study
Fang-Biao Tao1, Jia-Hu Hao, Kun Huang
1Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, PR China. fbtao@ahmu.edu.cn
International Journal of Epidemiology
|June 26, 2012
Summary
The China-Anhui Birth Cohort Study (C-ABCS) investigated maternal environmental exposures and their impact on birth outcomes and child development. This research provides crucial data on long-term health effects for public health initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatrics
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- The China-Anhui Birth Cohort Study (C-ABCS) was established to investigate the long-term effects of maternal environmental exposures.
- Recruitment occurred between November 2008 and October 2010, enrolling pregnant women from six major cities in Anhui province, China.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the delayed, cumulative, and interactive effects of maternal environmental exposures on birth outcomes.
- To assess the impact of these exposures on children's physical, psychological, behavioral, and sexual development.
Main Methods:
- Collected demographic, obstetric, nutritional, and psychosocial data through interviews and laboratory tests.
- Obtained maternal blood samples during each trimester and reviewed physician's medical records for pregnancy complications.
- Observed and identified birth outcomes and defects in 11,421 singleton live births within 12 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- Data collection included over 11,421 singleton live births, with ongoing observation for 2033 additional births.
- A subset of 4668 children from Ma'anshan city will be followed through adolescence.
- Comprehensive data on environmental exposures and child development are being gathered.
Conclusions:
- The C-ABCS is generating valuable data on the complex interplay between maternal environment and child health.
- Findings will inform public health strategies aimed at improving birth outcomes and child development in the region.
- Longitudinal data on environmental exposures and developmental trajectories are available upon request.
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