# name
A birth cohort study in the Middle East: the Qatari birth cohort
                study (QBiC) phase I

# metadata.dc.description.abstract[].value
BACKGROUND: The latest scientific reports raise concerns about
                the rapidly increasing burden of chronic diseases in the state
                of Qatar. Pregnant Qatari women often confront complications
                during pregnancy including gestational diabetes, hypertension,
                abortion and stillbirth. The investigation of early life
                environmental, genetic, nutritional and social factors that may
                affect lifelong health is of great importance. Birth cohort
                studies offer a great opportunity to address early life hazards
                and their possible long lasting effects on health.
                METHODS/DESIGN: The Qatari Birth Cohort study is the first
                mother-child cohort study in the Middle East Area that aims to
                assess the synergetic role of environmental exposure and genetic
                factors in the development of chronic disease and monitor woman
                and child health and/or obstetric characteristics with high
                prevalence. The present manuscript describes the recruitment
                phase of the study (duration: 2 years; expected number: 3000
                families), where the pregnant Qatari women and their husbands
                are being contacted before the 15th week of gestation at the
                Primary Health Care Centers. The consented participants are
                interviewed to obtain information on several factors
                (sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits,
                occupational/environmental exposure) and maternal
                characteristics are assessed based on anthropometric
                measurements, spirometry, and blood pressure. Pregnant women are
                invited to provide biological samples (blood and urine) in each
                trimester of their pregnancy, as well as cord blood at delivery.
                Fathers are also asked to provide biological samples.
                DISCUSSION: The present study provides invaluable insights into
                a wide range of early life factors affecting human health. With
                a geographical focus on the Middle East, it will be a resource
                for information to the wider scientific community and will allow
                the formulation of effective policies with a primary focus on
                public health interventions for maternal and child health.

# metadata.dc.relation.ispartof[].value
BMC Public Health, 2017, vol. 17, num. 836

# metadata.dc.source[].value
Articles publicats en revistes (ISGlobal)

# metadata.dc.title[].value
A birth cohort study in the Middle East: the Qatari birth cohort
                study (QBiC) phase I