Accuracy of LexisNexis-derived retrospective address histories in the Sister Study cohort

Background Commercial address data can help reconstruct detailed residential histories, which are crucial for accurate assessment of geospatial-based environmental exposures in epidemiologic studies. Objective To reconstruct and assess the accuracy of pre-baseline residential histories for the Sister Study, an ongoing United States-wide prospective cohort. Methods We used LexisNexis® Accruint® to construct pre-baseline residential histories for 47,557 participants. A subset ( N = 823) validated their LexisNexis-derived addresses via a supplemental questionnaire. We assessed the proportion of addresses with verified locations and timeframes by sociodemographic and geographic characteristics. Results Residential histories were reconstructed for 93.5% of participants, adding a median of 25 years of data. The histories accurately captured 95% of address locations and 82% of residence durations, with improved accuracy after 1990. Impact This study leverages LexisNexis to reconstruct detailed residential histories before cohort enrollment for nearly all Sister Study participants, creating a valuable resource for investigating the health effects of past environmental exposures. A subset of participants verified the locations and timeframes of a high proportion of addresses in the LexisNexis-derived histories, reinforcing confidence in their accuracy for the full cohort.