Hair Biomarkers Study
Stanford University
Summary
Young children aged 0-4 years may be exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and/or early life adversity (ELA), which are linked with worse physical and mental health across their lifespan. On the other hand, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can build resilience and prevent or protect against these detrimental outcomes. Data analyses will assess the interactions of ACEs, PCEs, parenting, and poverty on the early social psychology of childhood and develop objective measures for altered stress regulation using hair cortisol as a chronic stress biomarker.
Description
To elucidate the longitudinal changes underlying HPA-axis dysregulation, using community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods, the investigators have designed a prospective longitudinal study to enroll children aged 6-24 months from families living within Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties. This study will enroll 600 healthy children (as defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics) and each child will be assessed 5 times at 6-month intervals for a total of 2 years. The investigators will collect serial hair samples at each visit, obtain anthropometric measures at yearly int…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 0–2 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Normal, healthy children aged 6 months to 24 months and their mothers (or father, if mother is not able to participate). 2. Living in Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, or Alameda County in Northern California. 3. Willing to give their home address (in order to receive the study kits at home). 4. Committed to regular follow-up at 6-month intervals for the full study duration of 2 years. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Children with tinea capitis, alopecia areata, scalp eczema, dermatitis, or other scalp conditions. 2. Children exposed to systemic steroid therapy for any dia…
Interventions
- OtherStress preventative measures
These studies will address fundamental gaps in our current knowledge and establish a scientific framework to investigate the long-term effects of early childhood adversity, physical or emotional trauma, child maltreatment, or other adverse experiences in early childhood, as well as the preventive and protective effects of loving, nurturing, and consistent caregiving offered to young children during their early childhood
Location
- Stanford UniversityPalo Alto, California