Frequently Asked Questions
A birth cohort is a group of individuals who are born around the same time and often studied to observe their health and other outcomes over time.
Liverpool needs a birth cohort to understand how things such as the environment, including factors like air pollution and access to green spaces, affects the health of children and their families. By following a large group of children and their families over time, researchers can identify patterns and relationships that would not be visible in smaller studies. This information can be used to inform policies and practices that promote the health and well-being of families in Liverpool and beyond.
Samples are important in research because they help us to understand the biological processes that occur during times such as pregnancy and childbirth. Researchers can use these samples to study different aspects of health and disease, including genetics, hormones, and other biological markers. In a birth cohort study, researchers collect samples from babies and their parents over time to better understand how factors such as the environment, lifestyle, and genetics impact health and development. By collecting and analysing these samples, researchers can gain insights that may lead to the development of new treatments and interventions to improve health outcomes for babies and their families.
Having access to your hospital notes is necessary in order to gather detailed information about your medical history and pregnancy experience. This information is critical for the study team to understand the factors that may impact the health of both you and your baby. The data collected from the hospital notes will be used to build a comprehensive picture of your health, which will then be used to help inform future research and improve the health of babies and their families in the future. By accessing your hospital notes, the study team will be able to ensure that the data collected is accurate and reliable, which will ultimately help to make the study more robust and valuable.
Yes, you can still take part in the study even if you don't have a phone or computer. If this is the case, a member of the research team can arrange for you to visit the study centre at Liverpool Women's Hospital where they will assist you in completing the study requirements. If you have any difficulties or need assistance, the research team is always available to help.
Yes, you can still take part in the study even if you don't speak English. The research team can arrange for translation support to help you understand the study and the questions asked. Additionally, they can also assist you in completing the online forms or answer any questions you may have in a language that you understand. Don't let language barriers prevent you from being part of this important research initiative!
If you're not very confident in completing forms, don't worry! The C-GULL research team is here to help. If you would like to take part in the study, a member of the team can assist you with filling out any necessary forms. Additionally, if you have any concerns or questions about the study, the team is available to support you and answer any questions you may have. Just get in touch with them and they will be happy to help.
Taking blood samples is a common procedure that is generally considered safe. The research team at Liverpool Women's Hospital will ensure that the process is as comfortable as possible for you. The amount of blood taken is typically small and only a few small vials are collected. If you are concerned about giving blood, you can discuss your concerns with a member of the research team who will be happy to answer any questions you have. They can also provide you with more information about the procedure to help you feel more at ease. Taking part in the C-GULL study is completely voluntary, and you can choose not to take part in the blood sampling aspect if you prefer.
Yes, you can visit the research centre at Liverpool Women's Hospital if you have any questions about the C-GULL study. The research team is always available to help and answer any concerns you may have. They will be happy to discuss any aspects of the study with you and make sure you feel comfortable before making a decision to take part. If you need to arrange a visit, you can contact a member of the research team and they will be happy to help.
We welcome dads and partners to participate in the C-GULL study. If you agree, we'll collect a sample from you to extract DNA for our research purposes. The preferred method is obtaining a small blood sample at our research centre. However, we recognise that may not be convenient for everyone, so we're also happy to accept saliva samples as an alternative.
Please remember that your involvement is entirely voluntary, and your support is greatly appreciated in advancing our study. If you require more information or have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We're always here to provide help and support!