Nurses’ Health Study

Nurses' Health Study (NHS) is a series of long-term epidemiological studies that have been conducted in the United States, focusing on the health of registered nurses. The studies have contributed significantly to the understanding of public health issues such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

History[edit | edit source]

The first Nurses' Health Study (NHS I) was established in 1976 by Frank Speizer, with the primary aim of investigating the potential long-term consequences of oral contraceptive use. The study initially recruited 121,700 registered nurses aged between 30 and 55.

In 1989, a second study (NHS II) was initiated, recruiting a further 116,430 registered nurses aged between 25 and 42. This study aimed to investigate diet and lifestyle risk factors for major chronic diseases.

A third study (NHS III) was launched in 2010, recruiting 40,000 registered nurses and nursing students aged between 20 and 46. This study focuses on lifestyle factors and health outcomes in younger women.

Methodology[edit | edit source]

Participants in the Nurses' Health Study are asked to complete a questionnaire every two years. The questionnaire covers a wide range of health-related topics, including diseases, lifestyle factors, and reproductive history. The data collected is then analyzed to identify potential associations between different factors and health outcomes.

Findings[edit | edit source]

The Nurses' Health Study has produced many significant findings. For example, it has provided evidence of a link between diet and heart disease, and between hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer. It has also contributed to the understanding of the health effects of smoking, physical activity, and dietary factors.

Criticisms[edit | edit source]

Despite its many contributions, the Nurses' Health Study has also faced criticism. Some critics argue that the study's findings may not be generalizable to the wider population, as the participants are predominantly white, well-educated women. Others have raised concerns about the reliability of self-reported data.