‘The Sarphati Cohort enables us to observe how children develop in their early years, and we follow them until they reach the age of 18 years. The data we collect should answer the question as to how we can best support parents, professionals and policymakers in helping children to grow up healthy. We are looking at issues such as nutrition, sleep and exercise, which will give us much more information about things like the influence of early nutrition on the development of excess weight and obesity. We want all Amsterdam parents to know about and participate in the health study, so that the participants are an adequate and accurate reflection of Amsterdam society.’ Arnoud Verhoeff, Director, Sarphati Amsterdam

Research into growth and development
The Sarphati Cohort researches the growth and development of Amsterdam children aged from 0 to 18 years. All Amsterdam children are known to the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD) and receive care through Child Health Services (JGZ, under GGD Amsterdam) and the Amsterdam Health Foundation Healthcare Development (SAG Zorgontwikkeling). The Parent and Child Team (Ouder- en Kindteams, OKT) or another health centre provides this care. The JGZ under GGD Amsterdam and SAG Zorgontwikkeling are responsible for managing the growth and development data. During consultations, they gather a lot of valuable information that provides good insights into the health of growing children. Parents give their consent for using the data anonymously. This helps to give us a clearer idea of what is necessary for promoting children’s health.

Research into the influence of the microbiome
In 2019 the Sarphati Cohort was expanded to include a study named the Amsterdam Infant Microbiome Study (AIMS). This study researches the influence of microbiome development on the occurrence of diseases of affluence. We examine how microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses develop on and within the bodies of young children. The microbiome is the collective name for all these microorganisms. We also investigate the influence of the microbiome on the onset of health problems such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and oral health problems.

This will enable us to provide data needed to help all Amsterdam children grow up healthier.

Gift card for new participants
New participants in the Sarphati Cohort receive a gift card to the value of €15 after filling in the first Sarphati Cohort survey. If you would also like to help spread the world about the health study, please contact us by sending an e-mail to sarphati@ggd.amsterdam.nl.

Sarphati App
A special app has been developed for the Sarphati Cohort to keep parents and guardians informed and to make it easy for them to consent to participating in the Sarphati Cohort.

The app contains information in 6 languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, French, German and Turkish. It also contains an animated video that explains the Sarphati Cohort in just three minutes. As well as the six languages mentioned, the video can also be viewed in Moroccan-Arabic.