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The Hertfordshire Cohort Study

The Hertfordshire Cohort Study was founded in the 1980s by the late Professor David Barker, who was the first advocate of the theory that early life environment has long term repercussions on future health and disease suffering.

The Cohort itself is formed of approximately 3000 participants, born between 1931-39, who were born in, and still reside in, the County of Hertfordshire. Data across the life course of each participant has been collected, since birth, and is used to draw links between early life environment and aetiology of disease in later life.

Data was able to be collected from birth thanks to the dedication of Ethel Margaret Burnside, chief Hertfordshire midwife in the early 20th century, whom organised all the county midwives to keep detailed records of every birth. In addition, information about birth weight, feeding pattern, family environment and early life illnesses was also collated.