What is the National Children’s Study in Salt Lake County? Why is the National Children’s Study so important? How will the National Children’s Study in Salt Lake County improve children’s health? Why is the National Children’s Study in my neighborhood? How do I find out if I can participate? Why is it important for me to participate? If I participate, what will I have to do? How can I make the decision to participate? What organizations are involved in the Salt Lake County Vanguard Location?
What is the National Children’s Study in Salt Lake County?
The University of Utah Department of Pediatrics is conducting the National Children’s Study in Salt Lake County. There will be 105 locations conducting the Study across the nation, which will observe 100,000 children for 21 years. In Salt Lake County, the University of Utah will be observing 1,250 children from before birth to age 21. Salt Lake County residents have a great opportunity to help improve children’s health nationwide by participating in and supporting the National Children’s Study.
The Salt Lake County Vanguard Location is one of the first locations to begin the National Children’s Study. Families living in selected areas of the county will have a unique opportunity to impact the future of children’s health. Starting in the spring of 2009, our staff will be visiting homes in these areas inviting women and their families to participate. We will then work closely with eligible women to gather data that will make the Study a success. When women give birth, we will collect information about each baby for the first 21 years of his/her life in order to get a complete understanding of things that can affect a child’s health. The exposures we will be observing include the child’s physical, biological, behavioral, social, and cultural environment.
Why is the National Children’s Study so important?
The strength of the National Children’s Study is its size and duration. Nationally, the Study will follow 100,000 children from all cultural, economic, social, and religious backgrounds. The large size will help the researchers to draw stronger conclusions about children’s health for all segments of our society. By following a child from before birth until the age of 21, womb to adulthood, researchers can learn about the environments a child is exposed to during development and help determine their impact on health. Results of the National Children’s Study may lead to changes in policy and improved health care for all children.
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How will the National Children’s Study in Salt Lake County improve children’s health?
The National Children’s Study will work to answer many questions about children’s health. Researchers are looking for the causes of birth defects, asthma, obesity, diabetes, childhood injury, mental health issues, and many others. Most people know someone who has a child with one of these conditions. We need to find answers to why so many children suffer from these conditions so that we can help prevent them. Joining the National Children’s Study gives the residents of Salt Lake County an opportunity to help improve the health and well-being of children across the country for generations to come.
Why is the National Children’s Study in my neighborhood?
Communities throughout Salt Lake County have been scientifically selected to participate in the Study. The University of Utah staff will be visiting every home in these communities to invite women and their families to take part in the Study.
How do I find out if I can participate?
Only women and families who live within the preselected Study areas will be eligible to take part. Starting in the spring of 2009, household interviewers will visit homes in eligible areas to invite women to join the Study. Women in Salt Lake County can also call the Study location at 801-587-7373 to find out if they are eligible.
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Why is it important for me to participate?
Participating in the National Children’s Study is voluntary. When you choose to participate, you can help contribute to the advancement of children’s health. By allowing the National Children’s Study to observe you and your baby, together we will work to find answers to childhood diseases. Even though there are no direct health benefits for Study participants, the research results will improve the health of children for generations.
If I participate, what will I have to do?
The National Children’s Study is different than most studies; we are not asking you to change your lifestyle or take new medications. We want you to live your life as you normally do. The Study will collect information about your baby’s environment, from womb to age 21. The Salt Lake County Vanguard Location staff will ask you to complete surveys, allow us to test the environment in your home, and collect biologic samples, such as blood, urine, and hair. You will not receive health care nor will you be charged for any testing we do.
We will also ask you about the food you eat, along with questions about your child’s social environment, activities, and medical history to learn about things that could affect your child’s health. Staff will sample the air, water, and dust in your home. They will collect blood, urine, and hair to find chemicals in the body that may influence health. We can answer more questions about health by looking at a child’s environment from many different directions.
How can I make the decision to participate?
Participation of women who live in the selected areas of Salt Lake County is essential to the success of the Study. Deciding to participate in the National Children’s Study in Salt Lake County is a decision that should be discussed with your family. The staff at the Salt Lake County Vanguard Location undergo complete background screening and confidentiality training to protect you and your child. A household interviewer will be coming to your door to ask you to participate if you are in one of the scientifically selected communities. This person will be able to answer your questions and give you information about the Study. You can take time to discuss the Study with your family and make your decision. The information that we collect about your environment and personal health will be kept completely confidential and anonymous.
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What organizations are involved in the Salt Lake County Vanguard Location?
The University of Utah Department of Pediatrics is leading the efforts for the Salt Lake County Vanguard Location. Many departments within the University of Utah and the School of Medicine are contributing to the success of the Study in Salt Lake County. Primary Children’s Medical Center is partnering with the University of Utah in conducting the Study. Many community organizations and local leaders are supporting the efforts of the National Children’s Study in Salt Lake County. Please refer to our Study Supporters page for more information.