Salma’s participation in a parent-child cohort study came about around 2008 when she was approached by a member of the research team in a hospital. At the time, she was expecting her first child and was waiting to have a test. Her main reasons for taking part in the research was her interest in what causes certain diseases and how they can be prevented. She feels that her participation, alongside other members of her community, will contribute to medical science that, in turn, will help her family and community.

Salma feels that sometimes participation in long-term health research can be time-consuming. She remembered that, when she was recruited, she had to complete a lengthy questionnaire that lasted about an hour and a half. It included questions about her health but also about lifestyle, such as diet and physical activity, as well as income and housing conditions. After her children were born and over the years, a member of the research team has come to her house to take blood samples, weight and other measurements to assess their physical activity and so forth. She does not mind the time and work involved in taking part because she feels it is all towards the benefit of her family as well as her community. The parent-child health research study keeps in touch with participants on a regular basis by sending birthday cards, leaflets, newsletters and by organising meetings and an annual festival open to the families involved as well as the community in general. Salma also follows their work online as their website provides further information and updates.

Salma says that mental health conditions are not always well understood in some communities and explains that participation in the study has contributed to a better awareness of her physical and emotional wellbeing. She was diagnosed with postnatal depression following the birth of her third child and was able to recognise what was happening to her, including her low mood. She says, “It made me happy that, you know, this group is doing something that is helping me directly because I’m going through something and these guys have done research on it and, you know, it’s beneficial to me.” Salma sought help from her health visitor who, together with her husband, supported her through this period. She had counselling and recovered without the need of medication. One piece of advice that she still follows is daily walks in green spaces, something that at weekends and holidays includes the whole family: “We go out in all weathers.”

Salma feels that her children have also benefited through their participation in health research by becoming aware of healthy eating and able to make healthy choices. She explained, “My kids, they’re very much aware of what’s good for them and what’s not good for them. We mainly eat fresh ingredients, meals prepared at home and once or twice a month we go out to eat.”

In 2011, Salma decided to become a parent governor and to contribute to health research as a member of her community and because she has a scientific background. As a parent governor, she feels well informed and consulted by the research team and says that her understanding of long-term health research has much increased. She described the people leading the health research as “caring people”, interested in improving the health and wellbeing of other human beings.

Interview conducted in 2019.