The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study: a 15 year longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Public Health Research
• Longitudinal Studies

Background:

• Established in 1972, the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study is a significant longitudinal cohort study.
• The study originated from a need to understand child development and health trajectories.
• It has provided decades of valuable data on human development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively describe the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study.
• To detail the study's methodology, sample characteristics, and data collection procedures.
• To outline the historical context and future plans for this extensive research.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 1037 children at birth, with follow-ups at age 3 and biennially until age 15.
• Detailed descriptions of study setting, historical background, and establishment provided.
• Data gathered across multiple phases, with investigators and procedures outlined.

Main Results:

• A table of descriptors summarizes topics studied, referencing published journal articles.
• Analysis of sample characteristics and follow-up rates over the study period.
• Comprehensive documentation of data collected throughout the follow-up phases.

Conclusions:

• The Dunedin Study is a successful, long-term research initiative.
• Reflections on factors contributing to the study's sustained success are discussed.
• A complete bibliography of 328 publications and reports as of July 1, 1989, is included.