Understanding Society collects information across a wide range of topics before and after childbirth, coupled with data on the entire family, that provides contextual insights into child development. Children are themselves Understanding Society participants from birth, with parents providing information on their child’s health and development until the age of 10. When they turn 10 years old, children complete their own survey.
The Pregnancy and Early Childhood (PEACH) data file is a single cross-wave file that brings together the key data reported by parents for all children aged under 10 years, plus information on pregnancy and parenting styles, from all waves of the main survey. The information is provided at the child level using the child’s identifier to ensure each row is uniquely identifiable. In addition, the pidp identifier of the parent or carer providing information at different waves is included to make it easy to link to family circumstances.
The PEACH dataset is designed to be linked to the main Understanding Society datasets SN 6614 (EUL), SN 6931 (Special Licence) and SN 6676 (Secure Access), so that the child’s development can be related to their broader family circumstances.
Download the PEACH dataset from the UK Data Service: SN 9075.
What variables are included?
The PEACH file includes variables from key development points. For pregnancy variables are included on pregnancy outcomes, fertility treatment, smoking and drinking behaviour while pregnant. For new babies, variables are included on birth weight, feeding, sleeping, and baby behaviour. At age three, five and eight parents are asked questions about their child’s health, their sleep habits, and their general development. At aged five and eight the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is used to measure positive and negative behaviour.
You can find information on all the variables included in the PEACH User Guide.