Notice of release
Montréal, October 16, 2023. – The Institut de la statistique du Québec released today the very first results from the Growing Up in Québec study, which is following more than 4,000 children born in Québec in 2020–2021 until they reach adulthood. Growing Up in Québec is the second edition of the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD).
This large-scale study will allow ministries and agencies to better understand the factors that affect children’s development and well-being in order to provide services that meet the needs of children and their families.
The first two portraits released today provide results on Québec babies and their families as well as data on what they experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The topics covered include:
- Babies’ exposure to tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy
- Breastfeeding and babies’ sleep
- Certain characteristics of parents
- The economic situation of families
Read the portraits (in French only):
- Portrait of children born in Québec: from pregnancy to the first months of life
- Being born during a pandemic in Québec
A survey Methodology report (PDF, 1,6 Mo) was also published along with these initial findings.
Detailed portraits on babies and their families will be released in 2024:
- Babies’ living environment
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Parents: parental behaviours, relationships, health and well-being
- Babies’ living conditions, health, and development
About the study
Since 1998, the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development, first edition (QLSCD 1) has been following a cohort of children born in Québec and their families. Since Québec society has changed significantly over the past decades, it was deemed important to capture the reality of children born more than 20 years later.
The second edition of this study—called Growing Up in Québec—was started to gain knowledge about the development of children born in the early 2020s. This large-scale study will provide the government and researchers with information about the living situation of children and will help them better understand the needs of families.
Longitudinal studies are designed to follow the same children until adulthood, which makes it possible to establish connections between their experiences at different times in their lives.
The partners of this unique study are the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, the Ministère de la Famille, the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, the Ministère de l’Éducation, the Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale, the Conseil de gestion de l’assurance parentale, and the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.