2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study investigates Covid-19 effects on families’ lives

The 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study is conducting an online survey to learn about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the families of approximately 4,200 children, who have been followed since the pregnancy period before birth in 2015. Children in the cohort are now approximately 5 years old.

To participate in the Covid-19 survey, mothers or caregivers of the cohort children access an online questionnaire. The study is a special follow-up of the participants, that is being carried out exclusively online due to social distancing restrictions and other measures taken to prevent the coronavirus spread.

“We want to understand how families are experiencing this period of such marked health and social difficulties,” said DOVE director Joseph Murray, coordinator of the research.

The study investigates changes in daily routines including social distancing, possible economic impacts, changes in physical exercise and sedentary behaviour, maternal and child mental health, and mother-child relationships.