National Children's Study, Cumberland County
The National Children's Study aims to identify a national probability sample of 100,000 children, prior to or as early as possible in pregnancy, and follow them for 21 years to explore the causes of a variety of health problems including obesity, injuries, asthma, and developmental delays. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in collaboration with Duke University and Battelle Memorial Institute, will conduct the study in Cumberland County, North Carolina. The 2006 Census population estimate for Cumberland was 299,060 (an average of 5,300 births in the past five years). Through household enumeration in selected sampling segments and supplementary collaboration with prenatal care providers, we will seek study participation to reach a goal of 250 live births per year in the county. Following identification and recruitment of eligible women, we will conduct a series of interviews, collect specimens and environmental samples, and conduct clinical evaluations according to standardized protocols. We will work with hospitals to obtain specimens including cord blood and placentas at the time of delivery and have neonatal examinations done. Because community involvement will be a key component to the success of the study, we will establish a Community Advisory Board with diverse representation to advise about special concerns of the community, segment refinement, publicity, and strategies to recruit and retain participants. With Fort Bragg Army Base and Pope Air Force Base located in Cumberland County, existing and ongoing collaboration with military personnel will be critical to the successful recruitment of military families and tracing their mobility throughout the study. Growth in the county's military and ancillary population is anticipated and has been and will be factored into the management of the study in this county. The Senior Management Team will coordinate activities with the NIH Program Office and the Coordinating Center to ensure high-quality data collection and participant retention.
Principal Investigator: Barbara Entwisle
CPC Fellow Investigator: Amy H. Herring , John M. Thorp, Jr.
Other Investigators: Emmanuel "Chip" Walter (Duke University), Nancy Dole (Carolina Population Center), Lynne Messer (Duke University), Geeta Swamy (Duke University), Charles Knott (Battelle Memorial Institute)
Funding Source: NIH NICHD
Grant Number: HHSN275200800029C
Funding Period: 9/26/2008 - 9/25/2013
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