National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Environmental Factors in the Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

SUMMARY:

In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects to be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval.

Proposed Collection

Title: Environmental Factors in the Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Type of Information Collection Request: NEW. New and Use of Information Collection: The purpose of this study is to identify a cohort of living female twin pairs in which at least one member is likely to have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) for future study. Potential participants (~2,100) will come from the Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry (MATRA) and were chosen based on their answers to several questions (in a preliminary MATR survey) concerning irregular periods and a history of polycystic cystic ovaries. The instrument to be used here will be administered by telephone by professional interviewers at the MATRA. It contains 15 simple and direct questions and will take about 10 minutes to complete. Its contents deal with the frequency of menstrual periods, a history of polycystic ovaries, obesity, excess facial hair and other evidence of hyperandrogenism. Since this is such a short telephone survey, participants will receive no prior notification. Informed consent will be asked for verbally over the phone at the time of the interview. All participants will be asked about their willingness to participate in future studies if their answers meet certain criteria. The major objectives of future studies using this cohort are to determine more reliable concordance rates for PCOS in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, establish baseline heritability estimates, and develop hypotheses concerning possible pathogenetic and/or environmental factors. The findings from this study will aid in developing: (1) Genetic tests to identify high risk women; (2) preventative strategies; and (3) more effective therapies for PCSO and related syndromes such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, idiopathic hyperandrogenism, and male pattern baldness. Frequency of Response: One time. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Type of Respondents: Adult women. The annual reporting burden is as follows: Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,100. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1; Average Burden Hours Per Response: 0.167; and Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours Requested: 350.7. The annualized cost to respondents is estimated at $3,507.00. There are no Capital Costs to report. There are no Operating or Maintenance Costs to report.

Request for Comments

Written comments and/or suggestions from the public and affected agencies are invited on one or more of the following points: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the function of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

To request more information on the propose project or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, contact Dr. Patricia C. Chulada, Clinical Research Scientist, Clinical Research Office, NIEHS, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 or call non-toll-free number (919) 541-7736 or E-mail your request, including your address to: chulada@niehs.nih.gov.

Comments due date: Comments regarding this information collection are best assured of having their full effect if received on or before October 31, 2000.