The largest research on child health will begin in 2007. “The National Children's study” It will seek to investigate the environmental influences on the health and development of more than 100,000 American children who will be followed by researchers from birth (even before conception) until 21 years of age.
The objective of the study is to improve the health and well-being of children.
Among some of the factors to investigate are: biological or chemical factors, physical, social, behavioral, genetic, social and cultural differences, geographic location. The researchers will analyze how these elements interact with each other and what effects they cause on children's health. By studying children during their growth and development, researchers will be able to better understand the incidence of these factors on health and disease. The research will also allow scientists to find the differences that exist between groups of people, in terms of their health, access to medical care, the presence of diseases, and other issues so that these differences or disparities can be measured.
The National Children's Study will be one of the richest information resources available to answer questions related to child health and development; and it will be the basis and guide of consultation to formulate interventions and policies of health for the next generations. It is expected that the preliminary results of the first years of research will be available in 2010-2012.
Official site | The National Childrens Study
