Longitudinal Research (with case study by Elizabeth Mason-Whitehead)

Aim of the chapter is to highlight the importance of longitudinal research in the area of Nursing and Healthcare Research. Longitudinal research is here essential if we want to: • study the dynamic course of health and illness (that is, the patterns of health/illness over time for a specific individual, family, group, community and the effects of/response to multiple environmental stresses); • study the course of common diseases and their outcomes under care and treatment; • analyze the impact of chronic conditions (such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) and medication for these conditions on health and health services use; chronic disease self management and rehabilitation; the role of carers in providing services for frail aged and disabled persons; • study how (chronic) drug use patterns evolve and interact with welfare systems over time; • determine the trends in health service use within and across different population groups and communities, and those patterns of use that are associated with better physical and mental health over time. • from a gender-sensitive perspective, investigate the gender dimension of health and well-being and support the gender medicine approach.