Nurses' Health Study

Nurses' Health Study is a series of long-term prospective studies that examine the effects of diet, nutrition, and other health behaviors on the development of chronic diseases in women. The study was established in 1976 by Frank Speizer, and is one of the largest and longest-running investigations of factors influencing women’s health.

History

The Nurses' Health Study was initiated in 1976 by Frank Speizer, with the primary focus on the potential long term consequences of the use of oral contraceptives. The study was conducted among 121,700 registered nurses from 11 states in the United States, aged between 30 and 55 years. The study has been expanded over the years to include more participants and a wider range of health factors.

Design and methodology

The Nurses' Health Study uses a prospective cohort design. Participants complete a mailed questionnaire about their medical history and health practices every two years. The questionnaire includes questions about diseases and health-related topics such as smoking, physical activity, and medications used. The study has collected detailed and updated information on many factors, including diet, physical activity, contraceptive use, hormone therapy, and various diseases.

Findings

The Nurses' Health Study has made many significant contributions to the understanding of health and disease. It has provided evidence on the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives, hormone therapy, diet, and lifestyle factors for cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other conditions. The study has also contributed to the understanding of the role of dietary factors in heart disease, cancer, and other diseases.

Criticisms

Despite its many contributions, the Nurses' Health Study has been criticized for its reliance on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias. However, the study has implemented rigorous methods to validate the self-reported data and to adjust for potential confounding factors.

See also

• Epidemiology
• Prospective cohort study
• Women's health

References

Nurses' Health Study Resources
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