Die zwei deutschen Geburtskohorten GINIplus und LISAplus

Abstract

Numerous chronic diseases in childhood and adulthood have their origins in perinatal life and are potentially influenced by trans-generational epigenetic processes. Therefore, prospective birth cohorts can substantially contribute to our knowledge about the etiology of diseases including modifiable risk factors. The two population-based German birth cohorts GINIplus and LISAplus aim to describe the natural course of chronic diseases and intermediate phenotypes in childhood and its determinants, and to identify potential genetic effect modifications. In the mid-1990s, 5,991 (GINIplus) and 3,097 (LISAplus) healthy, term newborns were recruited for long-term follow-up in four regions of Germany. The follow-up rate for the first 10 years was about 55%. We analyzed the growth and development of overweight, infections and allergic diseases, mental and oral health, metabolic and inflammatory parameters and the role of potential risk factors including genetics. The results of these two birth cohorts substantially contribute to the current knowledge about the natural course of these health parameters. These data were included in many international projects and consortia for purposes of international comparisons of prevalence and consistency of findings, and to increase the power of the analyses.

Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP): Study design and cohort update

“…For instance, approximately 10 years from the start of the study, the coverage rates in the Ulm SPATZ and Odense Child studies were roughly 20%, while the Generation R study had a higher coverage rate of 43%‐48% . The comparisons of responders and non‐responders also confirmed the general bias towards participants with higher socio‐economic status observed in most of follow‐up studies …”

Physical Activity in German Adolescents Measured by Accelerometry and Activity Diary: Introducing a Comprehensive Approach for Data Management and Preliminary Results

“…The cohort and recruitment of the participants has been described in detail previously [22]–[24]. In brief, GINIplus is a longitudinal study of a German birth cohort born between September 1995 and June 1998 in the cities of Munich (urban, south-east of Germany) and Wesel (rural, north-west of Germany).…”

“…Using accelerometers and activity diaries in a German cohort of adolescents (GINIplus, [22]–[24]), the aim of the present study was twofold: First, to introduce a comprehensive approach based on recent recommendations and provide detailed information about cleaning of recorded accelerometry data and handling of information derived from an activity diary applied in German adolescents. Second, to provide first results on objectively measured PA in German adolescents and to give an overview of the information derived from the activity diary.…”

The LIFE child study: a life course approach to disease and health

“…Several German cohort studies have already shown high enrolment and follow-up rates. This might be due to the fact that the German population, especially in East Germany, is apparently more compliant with the participation in research projects in comparison with other countries [5,11]. People who voluntarily contact the study centre for participation tend to be different from other people in terms of basic demographic factors (e.g.…”

“…This implies that cohort studies will always reflect relatively contemporary exposures and practices. However, many ongoing birth cohorts began recruitment in the last century [1,3,5]. Ethnicity, different political and cultural backgrounds are associated with differences in disease prevalence.…”