Clinical Research Directory

Assessing PFAS Exposure (APEX) for Better Health

The goal of this observational study is to determine whether a personalized PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) blood test and educational report-back can improve environmental health literacy (EHL), empower exposure reduction behaviors, and promote cardiovascular wellness among rural adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does receiving a personalized PFAS test result and educational report-back increase environmental health literacy among rural participants and healthcare providers? Does increased EHL lead to greater readiness and actions to reduce PFAS exposure and improve wellness outcomes (e.g., reduced stress, improved sleep, increased sense of control) Researchers will compare changes from pre- to post-intervention among participants who receive the personalized PFAS report-back to see if there are measurable improvements in knowledge, behavior, and wellbeing. Participants will: Provide a mail-in blood spot sample for PFAS testing using a validated laboratory method (Relentless Health). Complete online surveys before and after receiving results to assess PFAS knowledge, exposure behaviors, and wellness outcomes. Receive a personalized PFAS report-back summarizing individual results, exposure sources, and tailored strategies for exposure reduction. Participate in focus groups or interviews (subset only) to provide feedback on report clarity, usability, and communication preferences. This study focuses on rural adult residents of Nevada, including underserved populations who may face limited access to PFAS testing or environmental health education. Insights from this Phase I project will guide a future randomized controlled trial evaluating the intervention's broader impact on cardiovascular health and rural health equity.

Healthspan Connect Programme of Research

Healthspan Connect is a new research programme designed to understand what helps people stay healthy as they age. The programme will explore how lifestyle, environment, genetics, and social factors influence healthy ageing and overall wellbeing. The programme will recruit participants aged 12 years and older across the UK. By including adolescents, the programme aims to understand how early life behaviours and experiences shape long-term health. There is no upper age limit, and people from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate. Special pathways ensure that young participants provide consent in an age-appropriate way. Healthspan Connect is a digital and home-based study, meaning participants can take part from home using smartphones, computers, and online surveys. Participants may also be asked to collect samples such as blood, saliva, stool, urine, or other biological specimens at home using easy-to-use kits. In some sub-studies, participants may be invited to attend research visits for additional tests, scans, or clinical assessments. Family members and close contacts may also be invited to participate in some studies. Through Healthspan Connect, researchers aim to: * Identify the biological, environmental, and social factors that help people live longer, healthier lives. * Understand how different groups, including those historically underrepresented in research, experience ageing. * Explore ways to support behaviour changes that improve health over the lifespan. * Provide near real-time information to inform health policies and interventions. Participants may also be asked for permission to link their information with health records, education records, and environmental data to better understand health outcomes over time. This programme will serve as a flexible platform for multiple sub-studies, allowing participants to contribute to a wide range of research questions related to healthy ageing, resilience, and long-term health. All data and biological samples will be stored securely and used to advance scientific knowledge, with participant privacy carefully protected.