In 2000-2001 the Menzies Research Institute received funding from the National Heart Foundation (NHF) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to follow up students who participated in the 1985 Australian Schools Health and Fitness Survey (ASHFS).

This 1985 national survey collected lots of valuable information on risk factors from 8498 Australian schoolchildren. The data collected by the ASHFS in 1985 is unique in Australia and is one of very few data sets of its kind internationally.

Why is the CDAH study needed?

Much of what we know about the importance of lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, and the role of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, comes from research in adults. But some studies have suggested that early stages of heart disease and diabetes start to occur in childhood.

A follow-up study of the long-term health of the children involved in ASHFS will help us determine how lifestyle and other risk factors in childhood affect people's chances of developing heart disease and diabetes in later life. This  study is known as the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health (CDAH) study.

Study aims

The CDAH study aims to:

• Determine the contribution made by childhood lifestyle and biological measures to the risk of heart disease and diabetes in adulthood.
• Provide new data on how childhood measures of well being, fitness, obesity and lifestyle predict the mental health of young Australian adults.
• Set up the first international collaboration on this issue. By pooling Australian data with that from similar studies in the USA and Finland we will be able to answer questions about the importance of childhood health and lifestyle more quickly and with more certainty.

How has the study been conducted?

Step 1: Tracing the original participants
The 1985 ASHFS participants were not originally intended to be followed-up, so our first step was to trace them. The information available for tracing participants was limited to the participant’s name, their date of birth, the school they attended, and for some, their residential postcode. Despite the challenges, we were successful in locating 6840 (80.5%) of participants.

Step 2: The first follow up
In 2004-2006 we conducted free health checks at clinics around Australia.  At the health check, 2,410 participants had their height, weight, girth, body fat, lung function and physical fitness measured. They also had a blood sample taken to measure their blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and underwent an ultrasound scan of their carotid (neck) artery. Information about medical history, current health, social circumstances, diet and level of physical activity was obtained through participants completing questionnaires.

Step 3: Further follow-up
We intend to repeat the follow-up health measures at approximately 10 year intervals to monitor changes in disease risk factors and early signs of disease occurrence.  With participants’ consent, we also hope to identify their usage of prescription medicines and medical consultations that may be associated with diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Links for more information

Health Insite
Health Insite is a Federal Government initiative which provides information on a broad range of health issues.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
The site for Australia's national health and welfare agency provides online statistics, information and publications.

National Health and Medical Research Council
The NHMRC provides research funding and develops advice for health professionals and researchers.

Australian Sports Commission
Ausport is the Australian Government body that coordinates the Government’s commitment & contribution to sport and activity.

Australian Drug Foundation
This is an independent non-profit organisation site with extensive information on alcohol and other drugs for consumers, parents and health professionals.

National Heart Foundation
The National Heart Foundation provides information for health professionals, consumers and students about smoking, eating, physical activity, blood pressure, cardiac rehabilitation, statistics and programs.

Diabetes Australia
The Diabetes Australia site provides information, fact sheets for consumers and health professionals in a range of different languages.

Quit (Cancer Council)
The Quit website provides statistics on smoking related illnesses and advice on how to give up smoking.