What is the National Children’s Study in Cache County?
Why is the National Children’s Study so important?
How will the National Children’s Study in Cache 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?
What organizations are involved in the Cache County Study location?
What is the National Children’s Study in Cache County?
The Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University and the University of Utah Department of Pediatrics are conducting the National Children’s Study in Cache County, Utah. Across the nation, there will be 105 locations conducting the Study, which will observe 100,000 children from before birth until age 21 years. Cache County residents have a great opportunity to improve children’s health nationwide by participating in and supporting the National Children’s Study.
The Cache County Study location is one of 30 locations to begin the National Children’s Study this year. Thirty-three neighborhoods in the County have been randomly selected to participate in the Study. The households in these areas have a unique opportunity to impact the future of children’s health. Starting in the November 2010, the households in these neighborhoods will receive an information packet in the mail inviting them to complete a brief questionnaire to find out if anyone in their home is eligible to participate in the National Children’s Study. We will partner with women and families who join the Study to observe them and their babies. By observing environmental factors for the first 21 years of his/her life, we can get a complete understanding of the elements that impact a child’s health outcomes. The exposures we will be observing include the chemical, physical, biological, behavioral, social, and cultural environments in which the child grows up.
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 allows researchers to reach 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 analyze the environments a child is exposed to during development and determine their impact on health. With the results of the National Children’s Study, there will be changes in policy and improved health care for all children.
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How will the National Children’s Study in Cache County improve children’s health?
The National Children’s Study will learn a great deal about children’s health. Researchers are trying to understand more about autism, birth defects, asthma, obesity, diabetes, childhood injury, mental health issues, and many other conditions. Many people know someone with a child having one of these conditions. We need to learn why so many children suffer from these conditions so that we can prevent them or improve treatments. Joining the National Children’s Study gives the residents of Cache County an opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of children across the country for generations to come.
Why is the National Children’s Study in my neighborhood?
Thirty-three neighborhoods have been randomly selected to participate in Cache County. Qualified residents of these neighborhoods have been asked to join the Study. Every household in these neighborhoods will receive an information packet and a questionnaire that will help determine if anyone in their home is eligible to participate. By participating in the Study, these households can improve the health of children for generations.
How do I find out if I can participate?
Women between the ages of 18 and 49 who live in one of the thirty-three Cache Valley neighborhoods can participate. Starting in November 2010, households in these neighborhoods will receive a questionnaire in the mail. Household members are encouraged to complete the questionnaire and return it in the postage paid envelope included in the packet. Interested residents can also call the Study location office at 435-797-5437 and let us know you are interested in learning more about the National Children’s Study in Cache County.
Why is it important for me to participate?
Participating in the National Children’s Study is voluntary. When you choose to participate, you contribute to the advancement of children’s health. By allowing the National Children’s Study to observe you and your baby, together we will be able 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.
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If I participate, what will I have to do?
The National Children’s Study is different from 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 monitors your baby’s environment, from womb to age 21. The Cache County Study 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 ask you about the food you eat, your child’s social environment, activities, and medical history to determine which factors in a child’s life impacts their health. Staff will sample the air, water, and dust in your home. Blood, urine, and hair will be collected 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.
Participation of women who live in one of the thirty-three selected neighborhoods in Cache County is essential to the success of the Study. Deciding to participate in the National Children’s Study in Cache County is a decision that should be discussed with your family. The staff at the Cache County location undergo complete background screening and confidentiality training to protect you and your child. If you have any questions about the Study, you can contact us at 435-797-5437. Our staff 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.
What organizations are involved in the Cache County Study location?
The Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University and the University of Utah Department of Pediatrics are jointly leading the efforts for the Cache County Study location. Logan Regional Hospital and Primary Children’s Medical Center are also partnering with Utah State University and 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 Cache County. Please refer to the Study Supporters section for a complete list.