Intergenerational transmission of health behaviors: A population-based study in Germany

BACKGROUND: Intergenerational transmission has been identified for many chronic diseases and behavioral factors. Long-term prospective studies are needed that examine different generations within families and determine the expression of specific biological and psychosocial characteristics using a standardized measurement protocol. At present, there are no prospective cohort studies in Germany that have examined the association between the health behavior of parents and children. METHODS: The ongoing pilot study is the first phase of a population-based longitudinal study on the health behavior of the generations. A random sample of 230 community members aged 70-85 years in Germany was recruited. A face-to-face interview with standardized questionnaires was conducted to collect information on health outcomes, including lifestyle, medical, social, and psychological factors in participants’ lives. Blood and saliva samples were also collected to determine some specific biomarkers. Online questionnaires will be used for younger generations. RESULTS: Data collection for the first generation has been completed and recruitment for the second and third generations is expected to be completed by June 2023. Written informed consent has been obtained from all participants. Results from the current study will be presented at the conference. CONCLUSIONS: Parental health behaviors may influence the onset of risky health behaviors in their offspring. Thus, in order to promote healthy behaviors, it is important to examine these factors to understand whether the transmission from one generation to the next is due to high-risk lifestyles, the direct transmission, or both. KEY MESSAGES: • This pilot study will provide information needed to design a larger population study, i.e., sample size will depend on response rates and associations between psychosocial and biological factors. • Intergenerational transmission may provide an important framework for health promoting interventions leading to healthy aging.