Summary

Genes & Health is about diabetes and heart disease in Bangladeshi and Pakistani people in East London. These illnesses happen more often in this group. The study helps learn more about genes and health, which may help improve care for people in the future.

What is the study about?

East London Genes & Health is a long-term health study. It looks at why Bangladeshi and Pakistani adults in East London have higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, and other long-term health problems. These illnesses are more common in these groups than in others in the UK.

The study looks at genes and health information. Genes are instructions inside our bodies. They can affect our health. People who take part give a small saliva (spit) sample. This is safe and easy, like spitting into a tube.

The study also uses NHS health records, such as GP and hospital records. These records are used safely and kept private. This lets people doing the study look at genes and health records together.

Some people may be invited to take part in more tests later, such as giving a blood sample. This is always their choice. Taking part does not change the care people receive.

What is the study trying to find out?

The study wants to learn how genes affect health in Bangladeshi and Pakistani people. Genes are small instructions inside the body. Some genes may be linked to illness. This means some people may be more likely to get certain illnesses than others. The study looks at genes and health side by side. It checks if certain genes are seen more often in people with illness. The study uses details from many people. This helps show what health problems are common and how people in this group are affected.

What does taking part involve? Examples below. Aim for max 200 words.

1. If you agree to join the study, you will first read the study information. You will then sign a consent form. This shows you understand what the study is about and are happy to take part.
2. You will give a small saliva sample. This means spit. It is safe and easy, like spitting into a tube. The study team will store your sample safely and used for research.
3. You will also be asked to share your contact details, such as a phone number or email address. You will fill in a short form about your health and daily habits. This is usually one page and does not take long.
4. If you agree, the study team will safely use your NHS health records. This includes records from your GP and hospital, and information about medicines you are prescribed. These records are kept private and are only used for research.
5. Some people may be asked to take part in other research studies later. This is called Stage 2. Each study will be explained clearly, and you can always choose whether or not to take part. You may be invited up to four times a year.

Who is it for? e.g. If you are aged 60 and over and….

·      You have a diagnosis of dementia

·      OR you have been to the memory clinic

….then we would like to hear from you.

If you are aged 16 or over and:

You are Bangladeshi, British-Bangladeshi, Pakistani, or British-Pakistani,
You live in East London,
You are happy to give a small saliva (spit) sample,
You are happy for the study team to safely use your NHS health records,
then we would like to hear from you.

We hope to find around 100,000 Bangladeshi and Pakistani adults living in East London to take part in this study.

Why is it important?

Many Bangladeshi and Pakistani people have higher rates of long-term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. These illnesses can last for many years. They can affect everyday life and family life.

Doctors do not yet know all the reasons why these health problems are more common. This study helps fill that gap. It looks at genes and NHS health records to learn more about illness and how it develops over time.

By learning more about health in these communities, the study may help improve healthcare in the future. It may also help other research studies and new treatments.

We plan to share what we learn from this study. This may be through reports or journals. Findings may also be used to support future research. Any details you share in the study will be kept private.

How can I find out more?

In this box, please edit the blue text ONLY below 

Text: You can find out more information about taking part in this study by downloading the key documents at the top of this page. You can also find out more information on the Welcome to Genes & Health

If you are interested in taking part in this study, or have questions for the research team, please email us using the link below:

r&d@nelft.nhs.uk