Sarphati Amsterdam: a dynamic research infrastructure

Abstract

Abstract Sarphati Amsterdam is a collaboration between the city of Amsterdam and four Amsterdam research institutions, focusing on innovative multidisciplinary research beneficial to preventing non-communicable diseases effectively and sustainably. With the Sarphati Cohort, Sarphati Amsterdam has established a dynamic cohort study that systematically monitors growth and its determinants from birth until adulthood, in order to 1) identify causes of overweight and 2) evaluate interventions to combat overweight. Data collection is linked to routine Youth Health Care consultations with all ∼150,000 Amsterdam children (0-18y). Thus, making selected care data on growth and development available for research. After informed parental consent, anonymised data can be used to systematically monitor children. Additional data is collected through age-specific questionnaires. The sub-cohort structure facilitates more extensive data collection in subpopulations, including interviews, observations, and biosamples. Up until March 2020 over 5,130 children enrolled. The continuous inclusion of new-borns gives the Sarphati Cohort its dynamic character. This enables the incorporation of innovative research designs to evaluate interventions.With over 170 different nationalities Amsterdam has a highly diverse population, both in terms of cultural and socio-economic background. The data collection strategies and tailored tools are developed to meet the level of adaptability this design requires. Embedding research in this manner enriches it way beyond clinical settings and provides an unparalleled depth and breadth of data. With the Sarphati Cohort, Sarphati Amsterdam facilitates innovative research in the field of obesity that will contribute to the ambitious policy objectives of the city of Amsterdam to promote healthy behaviour and improve the quality of life of young people.