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Pregnancy and birth cohorts in Europe: An overview

Authors

  • Iva Šunić Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Natalija Novokmet Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Jelena Šarac Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Dubravka Havaš Auguštin Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Nives Fuchs Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia
  • Rafaela Mrdjen-Hodžić Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia

Keywords:

Cohorts, Pregnancy, Newborns, Epidemiology, Europe

Abstract

A birth cohort study is a form of study that uses expectant mothers and their subsequent newborns as research participants. Data is collected in order to identify health consequences and overall health outcomes of environment and lifestyle on pregnancy and childbirth. The main aim of this paper is to review and summarize all cohort studies that have been carried out or are still being conducted in Europe in last 80 years, as well as general information such as aim of the study, number of participants and duration of follow-up. Gathering information was made easier by websites such as Birthcohorts, CHICOS and LifeCycle, where many of the cohorts and their sources are listed. The remaining data was found by searching Google Scholar, PubMed and similar webpages, using keywords ‘birth and pregnancy cohorts’, ‘infants’, ‘pregnancies’, ‘allergies’ and ‘childhood obesity’. Overall, 137 cohorts in 27 countries were found. Cohort studies are an efficient method for assessing cause and effect. The focus is on the general health and well-being of mothers and children and as such provides a good approach to establishing a link between risk factors and outcomes. In epidemiological research, especially those concerning some of the biggest problems of the 21st century, such as obesity, type II diabetes and coronary heart disease, cohort studies make a valuable contribution. In last 80 years the number of studies has been increasing and with it the number of new insights. Collaboration between different birth cohorts is crucial for further harmonization of collected data and their use in the public health systems worldwide.

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Published

2021-12-20

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Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021): Journal of Bioanthropology

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Review Paper

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