The Xi'an longitudinal mother-child cohort study: design, study population and methods

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Longitudinal cohort studies are essential for understanding developmental trajectories and health outcomes.
• Investigating the interplay of environmental, biological, and genetic factors is critical for maternal and child well-being.
• The Xi'an longitudinal mother-child cohort study addresses a gap in long-term data on these influences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of external factors (diet, environment) and internal factors (biological, genetic, epigenetic) on maternal and child health.
• To track short- and long-term health outcomes for mothers and children up to 12 years of age.
• To establish a comprehensive dataset for analyzing developmental influences.

Main Methods:

• Recruitment of pregnant women from early gestation (<20 weeks) at Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital (NWCH).
• Longitudinal follow-up of mothers (prenatal, 42 days, 3, 6, 12 years postpartum) and children (birth, 42 days, 6, 12, 24 months, then biennially to 12 years).
• Data collection via interviews, laboratory tests, and routine medical records, encompassing biological, demographic, birth outcomes, and nutritional factors.

Main Results:

• As of June 30, 2019, the study recruited 114,946 mothers and 124,454 live births.
• Extensive data on maternal and offspring health, environmental exposures, and biological markers have been collected.
• The cohort is well-positioned for robust analysis of factors influencing maternal and child health trajectories.

Conclusions:

• The Xi'an longitudinal mother-child cohort study provides a valuable resource for understanding the multifactorial influences on maternal and child health.
• Findings will elucidate the impact of diet, environment, and biological factors on developmental outcomes.
• This research will inform public health strategies and interventions to improve maternal and child well-being.