4 July 2024

Participants of the Isle of Wight birth cohort research study are being asked to come forward for their 34 year follow up.

Researchers from The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre at St Mary’s Hospital are trying to contact everyone who has taken part in the research study over the last 34 years to continue with what is one of the oldest and most comprehensive studies of allergies and asthma.

The research is led by Professor Hasan Arshad from the University of Southampton and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Professor Arshad said: “The Isle of Wight birth cohort provides a unique wealth of information. Being able to study asthma and allergic diseases across three generations helps us to understand how genetics and environmental exposures influence health across generations.

“A huge amount of knowledge has been contributed by this study and its participants and we are grateful to them all for their commitment over the years. Their contributions will help families for many generations to come.”

Members of the cohort have taken part in seven studies to date (at ages one, two, four, 10, 18 and 26 years) and are being asked to complete a questionnaire and attend a health check at The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre at St Mary’s Hospital.

Maria Larsson, Research Nurse Lead at the David Hide Centre, said: “We are contacting all our participants and inviting them to come in for a follow-up appointment to check their lung function, allergic sensitivity and nitric oxide levels, which reflect inflammation of the airways. Participants will also be provided with monitors to track levels of indoor air pollution over two weeks and relate this to lung function and asthma.

“Unfortunately we have been unable to reach everyone who has participated, so if you are a part of this study, we really would like to hear from you.”

Anyone who has taken part in the Isle of Wight birth cohort study since it was established in 1989, and is not already in contact with the centre, is being asked to contact the Research team at The David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre on mobile: 07710 229794 or email: iownt.Study.IOW@nhs.net.

Read more about the IOW Birth Cohort Research Study