International conference highlights value of longitudinal studies

The Institute for Population and Social Research (IPSR), Mahidol University, Thailand organized an International Conference on “Understanding Health and Population Over Time: Strengthening Capacity in Longitudinal Data Collection and Analysis in Asia and the Pacific” from 24 to 25 May in Bangkok.

The Conference aimed at providing a forum to discuss the state of the art of longitudinal studies in the region, assessing their role in monitoring and analyzing population and health trends and their actual utilization, as well as reflecting on their potential contribution for scientific and policy purposes.

The Conference also helped disseminate the results of recent longitudinal research on health and population undertaken in the region. The two-day meeting brought together a wide-range of experts from various countries and institutions in the region.
According to a keynote speech by Ms. Bencha Yoddumnern-Attig, Associate Professor, IPSR, longitudinal research has been a valuable tool for analyzing changing trends in population and health and the causal factors contributing to these changes. Ms. Bencha highlighted that longitudinal studies were crucial particularly in countries which lacked vital registration systems and comprehensive sources of information on the demographic and health situation of their populations. In addition, she stressed that such type of studies was important when a proper understanding of social and population dynamics or micro-social change was required.

Note: For more information about the Conference, visit http://www.ipsr.mahidol.ac.th/content/Home/IC/2Announcement.htm