Data and samples have been collected from BC Generations Project participants and are available for access by qualified researchers. In total, the cohort represents nearly 30,000 participants aged 35-69 and residing in British Columbia at the time of enrolment.
Data and Sample Collection
The BC Generations Project has collected the following information and samples:
Health & Lifestyle questionnaire
All participants were asked to answer a baseline Health & Lifestyle questionnaire upon enrolment. The questionnaire included questions about demographics, diet, physical activity, smoking, drinking, use of cancer screening programs and other information. Participants also provided information about their family and personal medical history.
Physical measures
The BC Generations Project requested that participants provide their physical measurements including height, weight, waist and hip measurements. For participants who chose to visit a BC Generations Project assessment centre, additional baseline body measurements were recorded, including blood pressure, bone density, percent body fat, grip strength and lung function (limited number).
Biosamples
The BC Generations Project has collected and stored baseline blood components (plasma, serum, lymphocytes and red blood cells) and urine samples from almost 90% of our participants. Associated sample data was collected and recorded. Samples were either collected at time of enrolment or as part of a participant outreach campaign in 2013-14.
Residential History questionnaire
Researchers at the BC Generations Project have a special interest in how environmental factors may contribute to the risk of disease. In 2015-2016, our online residential history questionnaire gathered information about the locations where our participants have lived over their lifetimes, as well as details about heating and water sources. This information will help us identify how air and water quality, along with other environmental factors in different communities, can influence long term health outcomes.
Follow-up Health & Lifestyle questionnaire (in progress)
As a follow-up to the baseline Health & Lifestyle questionnaire they completed upon joining the BC Generations Project, participants are invited to provide an update on their health and lifestyle today. In addition to the original topics, participants are asked questions about mental health, marijuana and e-cigarette use. This questionnaire was launched in September 2016.