Oral

The purpose of this session is to provide an overview of the National Children's Study (NCS). The presenters will provide a summary of the study design for the NCS, the environmental and biological sampling, current NCS activities, and potential research opportunities for epidemiologists and other public health professionals. The NCS will examine the effects of environmental influences on the health and development of 100,000 children across the US, following them from birth until age 21. Primary exposures include biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial factors and potential genetic-environmental interactions. Primary outcomes include preterm delivery, major birth defects, developmental disorders, asthma, injuries, obesity, diabetes, and reproductive disorders. By studying children through their different phases of growth and development, researchers will be better able to understand the role these factors have on health and disease. Ultimately, data from the NCS will guide development of a comprehensive plan for disease prevention in children. The NCS is the first epidemiologic study of environmental and genetic influences on child health in a representative sample of the US population. No previous longitudinal study of children has obtained data on environmental exposures or incorporated technologies for the collection of biological and environmental samples or of genetic material. The priority outcome areas of the NCS are part of the "new pediatric morbidities" and have major public health implications.

Session Objectives: 1. Articulate the study design of the National Children's Study (NCS) 2. List at least five environmental factors included in the NCS and their methods of collection 3. Formulate potential areas for NCS adjunct studies

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)