Raine Study

 

The Raine Study began in the late 1980’s to examine how events during pregnancy and around birth influenced the subsequent health of children. Almost 3,000 women were enrolled at between 16 and 20 weeks in pregnancy and their children have been followed at birth, one, two, three, five, eight, 10, 13 and now 16 years of age.

 

The study is one of the most extensive surveys of pregnancy and early childhood to be carried out anywhere in the world.

 

The Raine Study represents a collaboration between the Institute, the Women and Infants Research Foundation at King Edward Memorial Hospital, The University of Western Australia Department of Paediatrics at Princess Margaret Hospital, Curtin University of Technology and the University of Notre Dame.

 

Our research
During 2007 we continued assessments as part of the Raine Study 16-year follow-up. The teenagers in the study are now aged between 16 and 18 years of age with their complex schedules including tertiary entrance examinations, apprenticeships, workforce participation and active social lives. To aid the retention of teens to the study, the Raine Study Youth Reference Group, consisting of study participants, is working with the Raine Study staff and management to help ensure study materials and activities are suitable and relevant for teenagers.

 

This phase of the study is collecting important information on a range of health issues including cardiovascular health, physical activity and fitness, blood pressure, adolescent brain development, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, coeliac disease, nutrition, mental health and stress.