MAPPING LIFECOURSE REPRODUCTIVE TRAJECTORIES IN A NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE COHORT OF U.S. WOMEN - Issue S2 - Abstract

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Blitz

Reproductive timing and experiences vary substantially among U.S. women, yet few studies classify reproductive life course trajectories in nationally representative, longitudinal cohorts. Using Waves I–V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), trajectories were constructed from age at menarche, timing of first birth, total parity, reproductive lifespan, and pregnancy-related complications. Variables were harmonized across changing survey structures and temporally aligned, and latent class analysis identified distinct reproductive patterns. These trajectories reflect biologically relevant variation in timing and intensity, supporting research linking life course patterns to midlife chronic disease risk and molecular aging indicators. The work applies a novel approach in a large, nationally representative sample and provides classifications for further study of long-term health outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Data source and longitudinal design

Trajectory construction and harmonization

Latent class analysis and identified patterns

Relevance to chronic disease risk and aging outcomes

FAQs

Which data source and time waves were used to construct reproductive trajectories?

The analysis used Waves I–V from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) to build reproductive trajectories across adulthood.

What variables were used to define the reproductive life course trajectories?

Trajectories were based on age at menarche, timing of first birth, total parity, reproductive lifespan, and pregnancy-related complications.

How were survey changes across waves handled in the analysis?

Variables were harmonized and temporally aligned to accommodate changes in survey structure across different waves.

What is the purpose of the identified trajectory classifications?

The classifications provide a foundation for linking reproductive life course patterns to molecular indicators of aging and long-term health outcomes, including biologically relevant variation for midlife chronic disease risk.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Blitz