The Behavior and Mind Health (BeMIND) study: Methods, design and baseline sample characteristics of a cohort study among adolescents and young adults

Abstract

Objectives: The Behavior and Mind Health (BeMIND) study is a population‐based cohort study of adolescents and young adults from Dresden, Germany. The aim is to investigate psychological and behavioral factors linked to a range of mental disorders and health behaviors and their interaction with social‐environmental and genetic/biologic factors. Methods: A random sample of 14–21 year olds was drawn from the population registry in 2015. The baseline investigation was completed 11/2015–12/2016 (N = 1,180). Assessments include standardized diagnostic interview, cognitive‐affective tasks, questionnaires, biosamples, and ecologic momentary assessment in real life with combined actigraphic/geographic monitoring. In the family study component, parents completed similar assessments and provided information on child's early development. Results: The participation rate (minimum response proportion) was 21.7%; the cooperation rate was 43.4%. Acceptance and completion of study components were high. General health data indicate that more than 80% reported no or only mild impairment due to mental or somatic health problems in the past year; about 20% ever sought treatment for mental health problems or chronic somatic illnesses, respectively. Conclusions: Data from BeMIND baseline and follow‐up investigations will provide novel insights into contributors to health and disease as adolescents grow into adulthood.