Cohort studies are a type of longitudinal study. A longitudinal study records health over longer periods, like a video recording. In a longitudinal study, the health of people is repeatedly examined over a long period to detect health-related changes that occur and understand what caused those changes. For the I-HeLTI cohort study, we will engage mothers and their infants in a process of tracking their health. Mothers will receive culturally relevant information and support on motherhood and child-rearing in the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Way. Health updates about the children will be provided regularly to mothers to support healthy child-rearing. We will also evaluate the effectiveness of the information and support mothers receive. The information and support that mothers and babies will receive as part of this project may help them in starting life in a good way, leading to health across the lifespan for Nuu-Chah-Nulth children.

Together the cohort and cross-sectional I-HeLTI studies can help Nuu-Chah-Nulth communities and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council understand First Nation's health over a lifetime, from preconception to elderhood.

More information about the I-HeLTI cohort study and how to participate will be coming soon.