This in from the Isle of Wight NHS. In their own words, Ed
Anyone born on the Isle of Wight in 1989 and early 1990 is being given the opportunity to take part in the latest stage of an internationally acclaimed research study of asthma and allergy.
The 26-year follow-up is the next phase of the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort Study based at The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre at St. Mary’s Hospital. The Centre is world renowned for its “Birth Cohort Study” which recruited 1456 Isle of Wight children at their birth in 1989 and 1990 and has followed them up at the ages of 1 year, 2 years, 4 years, 10 years and 18 years to study the natural history of asthma and allergy.
By taking part in the research, participants will be contributing to the health and wellbeing of people with asthma and allergy all over the world.
Speaking about the next phase, Professor Hasan Arshad, who leads the research on the Island, said:
“The Isle of Wight cohort is the oldest birth cohort in Europe focussed on asthma and allergy research with the most comprehensive information to date, which is a testament to the dedication of its participants.
“Now at 26 years we aim to answer questions that we hope will improve the lives of our patients, such as why and how asthma improves in some children or why smoking affects lung function in some people more than others. These variations may reflect the way in which our genes are influenced by our environment.”
Participants will be asked to attend the Allergy Centre on one occasion where they will complete a questionnaire. The research doctor and nurses will measure height, weight and blood pressure, breathing and allergy tests and ask for samples of urine and blood. Any travel expenses will be paid and appointments could be in the evenings or on Saturdays, if needed. The investigations carried out at The David Hide Centre will be in collaboration with other British and US Universities, utilising state of the art techniques.
All participants of the study will be entered into a draw to win two tickets to next year’s IW Bestival providing they attend the centre for a visit before 19 August 2016. Anyone who would like the opportunity to take part should contact the centre on 01983 530876. Questions can be answered over the telephone or you can visit the Allergy Research Centre Facebook page.
For more information about the 1989/1990 Birth Cohort Study visit www.davidhideallergyresearch.co.uk
