European longitudinal study of pregnancy and childhood (ELSPAC)

A prospective geographically based series of population studies has been designed to start in pregnancy and to follow the cohort of births until the age of 7 years. Various centres within Europe are participating in this survey, although there is still time for others to join. The strength of the survey relies on the fact that different correlations in different countries may be useful in ascertaining causal relationships and the major thrust of the research is to assess the impact of psychosocial factors on child health and development.