Synopsis
The Illawarra Born study is a regional based study that aims to improve health and wellbeing across the lifespan, with a particular focus on preventable chronic diseases, especially mental health. The study will follow and collect data from three cohorts representing different stages across the lifespan: infants, adulthood (parents), and older adulthood (grandparents). The multi-generational, cross-sectional and longitudinal design of this study supports a focus on the contributions of genetics, environment, and lifestyle on health and wellbeing. A feasibility study, focused on the perinatal period, was implemented in 2014/2015 with 41 families.
Summary
| Study name |
Illawarra Born: cross generation health study |
| Current principal investigator/s |
Prof Brin Grenyer |
| Current project manager |
Dr Michelle Townsend |
| Cohort representative (study contact) |
Dr Michelle Townsend |
| Postal address |
School of Psychology, Northfields Clinic Building 22, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, 2522, NSW |
| Phone |
+612 4298 1304 |
| Email |
mtownsen@uow.edu.au |
| Primary Institution |
University of Wollongong |
| Major funding sources |
Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute |
| Study website |
https://www.ihmri.org.au/research-projects/illawarra-born-cross-generational-health-study/ |
| Key reference |
Townsend, M. L., Kelly, M. A., Pickard, J. A., Larkin, T. A., Flood, V. M., Caputi, P., … & Grenyer, B. F. (2019). Illawarra Born cross-generational health study: feasibility of a multi-generational birth cohort study. Pilot and feasibility studies, 5(1), 1-11. doi: 10.1186/s40814-019-0418-5 |
| Are data available outside study team? |
On application |
| Study focus |
The Illawarra Born study is a regional based study that aims to improve health and wellbeing across the lifespan, with a particular focus on preventable chronic diseases, especially mental health. The study will follow and collect data from three cohorts representing different stages across the lifespan: infants, adulthood (parents), and older adulthood (grandparents). The multi-generational, cross-sectional and longitudinal design of this study supports a focus on the contributions of genetics, environment, and lifestyle on health and wellbeing. A feasibility study, focused on the perinatal period, was implemented in 2014/2015 with 41 families. |
| Sampling frame |
Families planning to give birth at the Wollongong Hospital, NSW, Australia (feasibility study). |
| Year commenced |
2014 |
| Commencement sample |
N=41 families |
| Intergenerational? |
Yes 3 generations |
| Imaging |
No |
| Linkage |
No |
| Biosamples? |
Blood, urine and faecal |
| Ethics approvals or requirements? |
Extended consent |
Waves
| Wave |
Year |
Age (mean, range) |
Eligible sample |
| 1 |
2014 |
Mothers: 22 to 41 years (M=31, SD = 4.56) at 22 weeks gestation |
42 families |
| 2 |
2014/15 |
Mothers: 22 to 41 years (M = 31.4, SD = 4.4) at 30 weeks gestation |
39 families |
| 3 |
2015 |
Birth |
39 mothers, 39 babies |
| 4 |
2015 |
Mothers: M = 31.69, SD =4.19; Infants: 7-10 weeks postpartum |
39 mothers, 39 babies |
| 5 |
2016 |
6 months postpartum |
39 mothers, 39 babies |
| 6 |
2016 |
12 months post partum: Mothers were aged 23 to 42 years (M = 31.8, SD = 4.29); Infants 12 to 23 months (M = 17, SD = 3.25) |
38 mothers, 38 babies |
| 7 |
2017 |
24 months post partum Mothers average age 34.22 years; Infants 25 to 34 months (M = 29.16) |
33 mothers, 33 babies |
| 8 |
2018-19 |
Infants 37 to 46 months (M = 41 months, SD = 3.19); Mothers were aged 30 – 43 years (M = 36.03, SD = 4.57 |
30 mothers, 30 babies |
