PP40 An Ethnic Minority Cohort of Young People – Feasibility of follow-up in Early Adulthood?

Background Under-representation of ethnic minorities in cohort studies is common. The Determinants of (now) Adult Social well-being and Health (DASH) study examines how interaction of social and biological exposures influences ethnic differences in physical and mental health over the life course. It started 10 years ago with 6643 11-13y London schoolchildren, 80% ethnic minorities. A feasibility study examined best practice for follow-up of the cohort now aged 21-23y. Methods 300 DASH participants, 50 for each major ethnic group (White British, Black African, Black Caribbean, Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi), were invited. They were offered assessments in different locations (GP surgeries, community pharmacies, clinical research facilities, homes, colleges) to collect a range of questionnaire and physical data (e.g. age appropriate mental health measures, 24 hour dietary data, accelerometry, blood biomarkers, arterial stiffness, bio-impedance). Consents were sought for DNA analysis, linkage of NHS records and to contact parents to participate in a generational study. Various retention and engagement initiatives were tried, including social media, a participant advisory group (PAG) and ‘Bring a DASH friend’ (BDF). Results Conclusion These positive findings challenge conventional wisdom on underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in cohort studies. They also suggest effective mechanisms to enhance engagement with diverse communities and exploit the public health value of findings across ethnic groups.