Country
Work Package 1
6) Epidemiological Health Investigation of Teenagers in Porto (EPITeen)
The Epidemiological Health Investigation of Teenagers in Porto (EPITeen) is a population-based cohort study conducted in Porto, Portugal. The study aims to examine how health behaviours and exposures during adolescence influence health outcomes later in life, with a particular focus on the transition from adolescence into adulthood.
Porto, Portugal.
Type of Study
A prospective longitudinal cohort study following adolescents from early adolescence into adulthood across multiple waves.
Data Collection
Participants were initially recruited in 2003–2004 at approximately 13 years of age from both public and private schools in Porto. Follow-up assessments were conducted at ages 17, 21, 24, and 27 years. Data collection included structured questionnaires, physical examinations, and a range of clinical and biological measures, such as anthropometry, blood pressure, blood tests, bone mineral density, and respiratory function. The study also incorporated detailed information on lifestyle, socioeconomic factors, and health behaviours across the life course.
Sample Size
At baseline (2003–2004), 2,159 adolescents aged 13 years were recruited. At the 17-year follow-up (2007–2008), 1,716 participants remained in the cohort. An additional 783 adolescents born in 1990 who had moved to Porto were incorporated into the study. By the 27-year follow-up (2017–2018), 1,244 participants were assessed.
Sample Size Characteristics
Participants were born in 1990 and included both males and females recruited from public and private schools in Porto. The cohort includes detailed socioeconomic and demographic information, including parental education and occupation, as well as perinatal data collected at baseline. The study captures a broad range of early-life and adolescent exposures relevant to later health outcomes.
Measurement of Mental Health
Mental health is assessed using validated self-report instruments.
- Depression – Beck Depression Inventory.
- Eating disorders – Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI).
Cohort Profile Available
No formal cohort profile publication is available, although the study design and methodology are described across multiple publications.
Key Publications
- Bulhões C. at al. Trajectories of depressive symptoms through adolescence and young adulthood: social and health outcomes. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry, Volume 30, Issue 1, 65-74, Jan 2021. DOI:10.1007/s00787-020-01493-9.
- Costa C. et al. Determinants of Eating Disorders Symptomatology in Portuguese Adolescents. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, Volume 162, Issue 12, 1126–1132, 2008, DOI:10.1001/archpedi.162.12.1126.
Open Access
ISPUP hosts data dictionaries for all waves (13A, 17A, 21A, 24A, 27A) available through their website. These dictionaries list variables collected and definitions. Public download likely requires application via a Petição de Dados EPITeen (data request) accessible via the ISPUP website: EPITeen.
Contact For Collaboration and Possible Access
Vítor Morais, Research Support for EPITeen at ISPUP, email: vitor.morais@ispup.up.pt