Home - DASH

News

New article published
Findings from the feasibility study at age 21-23 years have been published as part of an invited review of DASH

DASH study findings presented at Kings College London
Ethnic differences in childhood overweight and blood pressure could present risks for diabetes and vascular disease in adulthood.

DASH reports educational success despite racism and deprivation
Racism and deprivation is still a common experience for young people from ethnic minorities, yet despite this, high proportions are gaining a degree.

DASH participants report racism as a common experience
Earlier this year DASH researchers presented our findings on racism - what does this mean for mental health?

To view more DASH news click here

Search

What is DASH about?

DASH looks at how social, environmental and biological factors affect the health and well-being of young people from different social and ethnic backgrounds in London. This will help us better understand how to improve health for everyone from childhood to old age.

Find out more

Why is DASH important?

As populations become more diverse it is important to understand what contributes to differences in health and wellbeing to reduce inequalities. DASH participants grew up in the most ethnically diverse London boroughs which are also some of the poorest. Listen to young Londoner Rima talking about why she is taking part in DASH.

What has DASH found out?

DASH has reported findings on ethnic differences in cardiovascular and respiratory disease and mental health. For example we found that ethnic minority teenagers reported better mental health than White British, despite coming from more deprived backgrounds. Taking an active part in family life, going to a place of worship and having diverse friendships were good for mental health.

Find out more

Who does the DASH research?

The DASH study is being carried out by researchers in London and Glasgow. The study is based at the Medical Research Council Social and Public Health Sciences Unit at the University of Glasgow. We also have a collaboration with Kings College London where we have conducted our recent pilot study.

Find out more

Latest FAQ entries

Question: Who funds DASH?

Answer: DASH is funded by the Medical Research Council which is funded by the UK government to conduct research in health. You can visit their website (www.mrc.ac.uk) for more information. DASH is part of the Social and Public Health Sciences Unit which is in Glasgow but our researchers are based at Kings College London.

Question: Why are you asking my child to take part in DASH again?

Answer: DASH is a longitudinal study which means we follow up participants from childhood into adulthood to track changes in health and social circumstances over time. We are currently conducting a feasibility study with some of the original DASH participants. We are planning to do a full follow-up of all DASH participants who are now young adults and so we want to find out the best way to do this, such as what questions to ask and how to ask them, and how to get the most accurate health measurements.

Question: Why are you carrying out a feasibility study?

Answer: The feasibility study is being conducted with some of the original DASH participants. We are planning to do a full follow-up of all DASH participants who are now young adults and so we want to find out the best way to do this, such as what questions to ask and how to ask them, and how to get the most accurate health measurements.

Question: What is DASH about?

Answer: DASH looks at how social (such as family life, socio-economic circumstances, neighbourhoods) and biological (such as weight, blood pressure) factors affect physical and mental health over the life course. DASH is important because it follows a very ethnically and culturally diverse group in London from childhood into adult life so it can track the health and social circumstances of people from different backgrounds over time.