Were you born on the Isle of Wight between January 1989 and February 1990? If so, you are probably part of the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Centre’s internationally renowned research study, and they are calling on you to get in touch to continue their ground-breaking research.
A total of 1,456 babies were born on the Island during that period and most have been followed up at the ages of one, two, four, ten and 18 years. They are known as the Isle of Wight birth cohort. At the age of 18 years, an incredible 90% took part in the follow-up, a percentage not achieved in other similar studies worldwide.
Researchers based at St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, are now following up the birth cohort at the age of 26 years old, and are hoping as many as possible will make contact.
Dr Claire Hodgekiss, Clinical Research Fellow at the Centre, said:
“We know that our birth cohort is truly international, with members living all over the UK, as well as in several European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. We’d love to hear from as many as possible, so that we can continue our studies which have gained us many international plaudits.
“Our study has provided many interesting findings to date. For example, it has been known for decades that allergy runs in families and it had been thought that the mother’s history of allergy had more effect on her child than the father’s history. In fact, we have been able to show that the inheritance of allergic disease is more likely to be from mother to daughter and father to son”.
If you are part of the Isle of Wight birth cohort, you can contact the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Centre by phoning (01983) 534898, email [email protected] or add the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre as a friend on Facebook and send a message, or like the page to get the latest updates.
If you make contact before 13th July, your name will be entered into draw for the chance to win two Bestival tickets.
Since the study began, over 300 babies have been born to parents who are part of the Isle of Wight birth cohort. These are known as the ‘third generation’ and the centre has also gathered information about their grandparents – the first generation. Using the data collected so far, researchers hope to discover if the environment experienced by you or your parents has any influence on whether your children will go on to develop asthma or allergies
