REVIEW PAPER
Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study
(REPRO_PL) – Methodology of the follow-up of the children at the age of 7
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1
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Environmental Epidemiology)
2
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Health and Work Psychology)
3
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Biological and Environmental Monitoring)
4
Medical University of Lodz, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Pediatrics and Allergy)
5
Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Social and Preventive Medicine)
Online publication date: 2016-10-21
Corresponding author
Kinga Polańska
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Department of Environmental Epidemiology, św. Teresy 8, 91-348 Łódź, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2016;29(6):883-93
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ABSTRACT
Effects of environmental exposures in utero and in the first years of life on early life health and development is a growing research
area with major public health implications. The main aim of this work has been to provide an overview of the next step of the Polish
Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) covering exposure, health and neurodevelopment assessments of children
at 7 years of age. Details regarding methodology of the follow-up of the children are crucial for cross-cohort collaboration and
a full understanding of the future research questions. Phase III of the REPRO_PL cohort covers a follow-up of 900 children at
the age of 7 years old. The questionnaire filled in by the mothers is composed of: socio-demographic, child exposure and home
environment information, nutritional status and health data. In the case of 400 children, environmental (including collection of
urine, saliva and buccal cells), health status and psychomotor assessments are performed. Health and development check consists
of physical measurements, child health status assessment (including lung function tests, skin prick testing, an interview/examination
by an allergist) and psychomotor development tests (the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Intelligence and
Development Scales). The results of the study will become available within the next few years. Extension of the REPRO_PL cohort
with examinations of children at the age of 7 years old may provide a better understanding of the relationship between environmental
and lifestyle-related factors and children’s health and neurodevelopment; and may further strengthen scientific base
for policies and interventions promoting healthy lifestyle. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(6):883-893