Local Publications
The following publications used ISAAC data from the Scotland centre:
- Anderson HR, Ruggles R, Strachan DP, Austin JB, Burr M, Jeffs D, Standring P, Steriu A, Goulding R. Trends in prevalence of symptoms of asthma, hay fever, and eczema in 12-14 year olds in the British Isles, 1995-2002: a questionnaire survey. BMJ 2004; 328(7447): 1052-3.
Scotland Centre
| Phase OneView Centre Details | Phase Two | Phase Three | |||
| Centre: | Scotland, United Kingdom ( Western Europe ) | ||||
| Principal Investigator: | Dr Jane B Austin | ||||
| Age Groups: | 13-14 | Timeframe: | January 2002 to March 2002 | ||
| Sampling Frame: | 13-14yr: The same schools were invited as in 1995 so sampling frames not used in 2002. In 1995 Scotland was part of the UK study, i.e. sampling frames for each of the Regions of Scotland plus one each for the Metropolitan areas of Edinburgh and Glasgow. One school selected from each sampling frame. Mixed sex state schools with over 100 pupils in each school year were included in the sampling frames. | ||||
Personnel
Professor H Ross Anderson
Division of Community Health Sciences
St George's, University of London and MRC Centre for Environment and Health
Cranmer Terrace
Tooting
United Kingdom
Roles:
- ISAAC Steering Committee
- National Coordinator for United Kingdom
- Phase One Principal Investigator for Scotland
Dr Jane B Austin
Whitehills Health and Community Care Centre
dd8,3dy
Station Road
Forfar
United Kingdom
Roles:
- Phase Three Principal Investigator for Scotland
- Phase One collaborator for Scotland
Dr Balvinder Kaur
Department of Public Health Sciences
St Georges Hospital Medical School
Cranmer Terrace
Tooting
United Kingdom
Roles:
- Phase One collaborator for Scotland
Why was Scotland selected
I was a paediatrician based at that time in Inverness, with an interest in the epidemiology of allergic disease. I was particularly delighted to be invited by Professor Anderson to be a collaborator for Phase I for 13-14 year olds for Scotland, as we were concerned by the high prevalence rates for allergic diseases we had found in our local studies in the Highlands of Scotland in 1992.. It was therefore of interest to study the national Scottish prevalence rates. Subsequently I was the principal investigator for Scotland Phase III. Scotland did not partake in Phase II.
Our experience of ISAAC
The phase III study was based at the Centre for Rural Health in Inverness. The study was undertaken across mainland Scotland and the islands – the Western Isles, Skye, Orkney and Shetland. We were funded by a grant from by the Chief Scientists Office, Edinburgh. Our team of researchers were based through out Scotland. The schools were very supportive especially in rural areas and participation rates by schools and pupils were good with few changes from the 1995 sampling frame.
The study was completed with a few adventures on the way - adverse weather in March delaying flights to the Islands and the researchers car in Edinburgh going on fire as she returned from a school -thankfully the boot remained intact with all the completed questionnaires.
References
Austin JB, Russell G, et al The Prevalence of asthma and wheeze in the Highlands of Scotland. Arch Dis Child. 1994; 71:211-16.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the Scottish Office for funding and especially to all the schools and pupils who made the study such a success.
