London’s teens help scientists predict the health of contemporary Britain
19 October, 2010
A seven-year Medical Research Council (MRC) study – the most ethnically diverse of its kind in London - is setting out to gather another raft of data from its participants and shed light on the future health of our multi-cultural capital. The study examines how factors such as poverty, family life, jobs, education and neighbourhoods affect health throughout adolescence to adulthood.
The DASH study which follows a group of 6,500 young people in London, speaking more than 50 languages between them, began in 50 schools in 10 London boroughs - some of which are the most deprived areas in the city.
Despite more deprivation and the known inequalities in health in their parents’ and grandparents’ generations, surprisingly, DASH has found that young people from ethnic minority backgrounds are doing well across key health indicators. This next stage of study will determine whether or not the young people, now aged 19-21 years, will retain this good health as they grow older, which factors promote good or poor health, and therefore how to keep people healthy throughout their lives, regardless of their ethnic background.
Dr Seeromanie Harding, from the MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit in Glasgow, who leads the study, said:
“DASH is the first study to cover a range of ethnic minority groups in the capital. We know there is ethnic variation in health in adulthood, but less is known about adolescence and young adulthood and the factors affecting these groups, such as family life and socio-economic circumstances. To find out how these factors affect their transition to young adulthood, we’ve recently sent a questionnaire to all members of the study to find out how they are doing now, and what has changed in their lives since the last survey in 2005/06. We would like to urge everyone to complete them and send them back, or complete it on the DASH website, as soon as possible.”
“We’ve been blown away by the commitment from the teenagers and schools involved. Their contribution will help improve the health of young people from all walks of life and ethnicities in future and we’re grateful for their ongoing support.”
Young people involved in the DASH study can take part by completing the questionnaire on-line at http://dash.sphsu.mrc.ac.uk. A paper version will also be sent in the post. They can also text 'DASH' to '88802' if they would prefer to complete the survey over the phone. The questionnaire is very short and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
A fundamental part of the MRC’s research strategy is to explore the lifestyles and behaviours that affect health in order to find effective ways to combat major public health issues, like obesity and smoking-related illnesses, through to mental health.
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Notes to Editors
1. DASH stands for Determinants of young Adult Social well-being and Health
2. The pupils were from 51 schools spread across 10 London boroughs (Brent, Croydon, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Lambeth, Newham, Southwark, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth). These areas were selected to ensure that the study included pupils from a range of ethnic backgrounds.
3. 12 research papers have been published from the DASH study to date. All are peer-reviewed, published results and available at: http://dash.sphsu.mrc.ac.uk/Publications.html
4. The DASH study found that Black African and Black Caribbean boys had higher average blood pressures than White boys by age 14 to 16 years. The follow-up of DASH participants will enable researchers to examine whether higher average blood pressures at this young age will affect their heart disease risks in later life.
DASH found that young people in some ethnic minority groups in the capital were more exposed to risk factors, such as poor diet habits, which could make them prone to being overweight. For example, skipping breakfast is more common among Black Caribbean and Black African children as is having fizzy drinks among Black Caribbean children.
5. For almost 100 years the Medical Research Council has improved the health of people in the UK and around the world by supporting the highest quality science. The MRC invests in world-class scientists. It has produced 29 Nobel Prize winners and sustains a flourishing environment for internationally recognised research. The MRC focuses on making an impact and provides the financial muscle and scientific expertise behind medical breakthroughs, including one of the first antibiotics penicillin, the structure of DNA and the lethal link between smoking and cancer. Today MRC funded scientists tackle research into the major health challenges of the 21st century. www.mrc.ac.uk
6. The Chief Scientist Office is part of the Scottish Government Health Directorates. It supports and promotes high quality research aimed at improving the quality and cost-effectiveness of services offered by NHS Scotland and securing lasting improvements to the health of the people of Scotland. CSO supports research initiated by the research community in Scotland and advises the Scottish Government on how research contributes to improvements in health and healthcare.
