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Abstract

The NSHD is the oldest of the British birth cohort studies, is unique in having data from birth to age 60 years on the health and social circumstances of a representative sample of men and women born in England, Scotland or Wales in March 1946.

Main Topics/Subject Category
Data available includes family characteristics and birth information. Detailed data on family, health (blood pressure, respiratory function, anthropometric measures, blood lipids, HbA1C, morbidity and mortality), exercise, smoking and diet have been collected along the life course
Variables

Childhood weight and height, childhood developmental milestones, puberty, cognitive development, educational achievement, illness, behaviour and temperament, characteristics of the parents, the home and the school, blood pressure, lung function, body size and shape, mental and physical health, menopause, cognitive and physical capability, health related behaviours (including diet), marital and fertility histories and life circumstances.

Keywords
Weight, height, development, puberty, cognitive development, education, illness, behaviour, blood pressure, lung function, body size and shape, mental and physical health, menopause, cognitive and physical capability, health related behaviours, diet, marital status, fertility
Identifier Variables
Country
Area of Health System
Public health
Data collecting organization (s)
Medical Research Council
Data Type
Survey (longitudinal)
National/Regional
National
Coverage (date of field work)
Depends on indicator
Unit of Analysis
Individual
Sample

Approximately 5362 of men and women born in England, Scotland or Wales in March 1946.

Availability
Medical research council
Conditions of Access
Free registration access
Link
http://www.nshd.mrc.ac.uk/
Contact
d.kuh@nshd.mrc.ac.uk
Publications
Richards M, et al. Birthweight, postnatal growth and cognitive function in a national UK birth cohort. International Journal of Epidemiology 2002; 31: 342-348