InterLACE: A New International Collaboration for a Life Course Approach to Women's Reproductive Health and Chronic Disease Events

Maturitas. 2013 Mar;74(3):235-40. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2012.12.011. Epub 2013 Jan 10.

Abstract

Evidence from population-based studies of women increasingly points to the inter-related nature of reproductive health, lifestyle, and chronic disease risk. This paper describes the recently established International Collaboration for a Life Course Approach to Reproductive Health and Chronic Disease. InterLACE aims to advance the evidence base for women's health policy beyond associations from disparate studies by means of systematic and culturally sensitive synthesis of longitudinal data. Currently InterLACE draws on individual level data for reproductive health and chronic disease among 200,000 women from over thirteen studies of women's health in seven countries. The rationale for this multi-study research programme is set out in terms of a life course perspective to reproductive health. The research programme will build a comprehensive picture of reproductive health through life in relation to chronic disease risk. Although combining multiple international studies poses methodological challenges, InterLACE represents an invaluable opportunity to strength evidence to guide the development of timely and tailored preventive health strategies.

Keywords: Chronic disease; Cross-cultural comparison; Life-course research; Menopause; Reproductive health; Women's health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chronic Disease*
  • Comprehensive Health Care
  • Female
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation
  • Life Style
  • Preventive Health Services
  • Reproductive Health*
  • Risk Factors
  • Women's Health*