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What is DASH about?
DASH looks at how social (e.g. family life) and biological (e.g. growth) factors affect the physical and mental health of young people from different ethnic backgrounds. Our results will help us to understand health differences in later life.
Over 6,500 pupils, aged 11-13 years, in 51 schools across London took part in the original study in 2003. In late 2005/early 2006, we followed-up these pupils to see if there had been any changes in their health and social circumstances.
How were the children chosen for the DASH study?
51 schools took part so that we included children from a range of backgrounds living in London. Your child was in one of the Year 7 or Year 8 classes that took part in the original study in 2003.
The same pupils participated in the DASH follow-up study in 2005/06. By comparing the results from the original study in 2003 with those from the follow-up study in 2005/06, we will be able to assess the impact of change or stability in social conditions on health. This will allow us to identify what sort of things lead to good or poor health.
What did the children have to do?
The pupils who took part completed a questionnaire covering a range of issues such as family and school life, and physical and mental health.
We selected a random sample of pupils to have physical measurements taken. These pupils had height, weight, body fat, waist, hip and arm circumferences, and blood pressure measurements taken. They also completed a form about their stage of physical development. Click here to find links to the questionnaires and measurements.
What will the study team do with the information the children gave them?
The anonymised information from questionnaires and measurement forms will be carefully examined to identify the main issues influencing health in adolescence. These will be presented in reports to policy makers and will be published in research papers. Click here to find out more.
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