Multigenerational Cohort Study

In partnership with the Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute in Pune, India, the CHANGE Research Lab is collaborating with Dr. Anuradha Khadilkar on a multigenerational, longitudinal cohort study. Termed YUVAAN (YoUng adolescents’ behaViour, musculoskeletAl heAlth, growth & Nutrition), the overall goal of this study is to understand behavioural, socio-ecological, and socio-economic determinants of growth and non-communicable disease (NCD) risk among rural households among preadolescent children and their parents.

To achieve this overall goal, YUVAAN will investigate intergenerational patterns of NCD risks and growth among preadolescents (8-10-year-olds), their parents and future offspring in rural areas. The study will identify and address socioeconomic and socioecological determinants of health (i.e., climate change impacts, sociocultural factors) associated with growth trajectories and intergenerational disease risk.

Using innovative digital tools and a community-based approach, this project aims to strengthen community-based, social and behaviour change communication strategies and implement interventions that improve the nutritional and health status of preadolescents. Find out more by reading our metholodogy paper: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.08.30.23294810v1.full.pdf

A total of 4 focus groups (n=36) were conducted in February 2024 to understand perceived climate change impacts on health in rural villages around Pune, Maharashtra. Preliminary results indicate that erratic weather and pollution has affected agricultural output for farmers, and respondents perceived higher frequency and severity of illnesses such as dengue, hypertension, and diabetes due to climate change. These findings will be used to inform digital health platform development to further explore climate change impacts and potential interventions in these communities.