FAQs
Q: What is a longitudinal study?
A: (synonymous with birth cohort study) The main feature of a longitudinal study is gathering information (data) from a group of people over a long period of time.
For The ELF Study, information collection starts when the mother is pregnant (from the second trimester), and information will be sought from the mother and her child periodically thereafter. These infants will be followed from birth to adulthood. Collecting information in this way is more accurate than asking people to recall events that occurred 12 months or 12 years ago.
Q: What information is collected in The ELF Study?
A: With your consent, we will obtain information about any early life exposures (e.g., home/physical environment, parents' occupation, diet, nutrition, medical conditions, and life-style factors like smoking and alcohol) on the growing baby. Over time, we will continue to monitor these exposures and the development of your child. We will also collect routine health information such as hospital data and national health registries (e.g., cancer, congenital malformations, and hospital admissions/visits).
Q: Who can participate in The ELF Study?
A: Since September 2008, all women who are in their second trimester of pregnancy and residing in New Zealand can participate in our study.
We welcome any first time or experienced mothers (aged 16 years and older) to participate in our study.
We anticipate that thousands of New Zealand infants will be enrolled in our study over a long period of time. Eventually, we hope to set up the same study in other countries, so comparisons can be made between different ethnic, cultural, and social groups.
Q: What is my (the participant) role in this study?
A: On a periodic basis, you will complete a detailed questionnaire online. The fact that this study is conducted over the ‘internet' is a novel idea, because women can participate at their own convenience. Help is always on hand with an 0800 line, and a study email address to post any questions or concerns.
Q: What happens to the information?
A: All personal information that can identify people is removed. The research team are the only people that can access the personalised data. Once we analyse the data, we publish the findings in academic journals, present them at international and national conferences, and hold workshops with the relevant stakeholders to consult and develop our findings that can advance the future health of children. We will also be releasing quartely newsletters to inform our participants about the progress of the study and any preliminary results as appropriate.
Q: How does The ELF Study differ from other similar studies?
A: This study differs by a number of factors:
- Representation! This is a pilot study, with a focus on recruiting pregnant women living in Wellington. However, the internet is widely used and we welcome any pregnant wome in NZ to participate. If more women participate in our study, it is more likely that our infants involved will represent various factors such as: geographical regions, a range of socio-economic background and ethnicity. Therefore, the data we obtain from our group of women will provide enough information that can be representative all New Zealand resident infants.
- Diverse information! We will be gathering detailed data of early life exposures on the baby's development such as: information of the parent's occupation, use of household cleaning products, use of medications during pregnancy, diet and nutrition during pregnancy, sleeping habits, and interaction with animals and pets, etc. Periodic information gathering on similar themes throughout the child's life will be essential to understanding the development of various diseases.
- Novel approach! To our knowledge, this is the first ‘internet-based' longitudinal study in New Zealand. The importance of obtaining up-to-date knowledge from the present generation will better shape the understanding of health conditions that can be prevented in the next generation.
