Maternal and Child Health Cohort Study (Yazd)
The Maternal and Child Health Cohort Study is a population‑based longitudinal project initiated in Yazd Province, Iran. Recruitment was carried out between 2017 and 2020 among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at local health centers. The study continued its systematic follow‑up until September 2025, covering the first five years of life of participating children.
Objectives
The primary aims of the cohort are to:
- Assess the association of occupational and environmental exposures with maternal and neonatal outcomes from pregnancy through early childhood;
- Determine and compare the attributable risk for adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes across varying levels of occupational and environmental exposure; and
- Identify independent occupational and environmental predictors contributing to unfavorable maternal and child health indicators.
Study Design and Data Collection
This comprehensive longitudinal study prospectively monitored pregnant women from the onset of pregnancy to the fifth year after childbirth. A wide range of standardized data was collected, encompassing:
- Demographic and family characteristics, socioeconomic status, education, occupational details, housing and lifestyle information, nutrition, physical activity, medication use, tobacco exposure, and other environmental factors;
- Pregnancy, delivery, and outcome data, including all clinical variables recorded during gestation and at birth;
- Neonatal and child health indicators, such as birth weight, length, head circumference, neonatal complications, medical history, hospitalizations, medication use, immunization records, growth indices, and developmental milestones (motor, cognitive, language, behavioral);
- Maternal and child mental health, feeding and supplementation patterns, breastfeeding practices, and nutritional assessments;
- Environmental and social determinants influencing child health and development.
Bio-bank and Research Infrastructure
A dedicated bio-bank has been established as part of the cohort, housing maternal biological specimens including whole blood, serum, buffy‑coat fractions, urine, hair, and nail samples. These samples provide valuable resources for biomarker discovery, exposure assessment, and future molecular and genetic studies.
Data Governance and Future Directions
Upon completion of baseline data collection, the entire dataset and biobank assets have been transferred to the Comprehensive Maternal and Child Health Research Institute (Yazd University of Medical Sciences). The data are currently undergoing rigorous cleaning and curation. The institute is developing structured plans for optimal utilization of these data and biospecimens through collaborative research proposals—especially targeting the upcoming extended Follow‑Up phase and potential partnership projects with national and international research organizations.