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1.
BMC Pediatr ; 24(1): 455, 2024 Jul 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39014321

ABSTRACT

The impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on society is continuous, resulting in negative psychological consequences. Given the vulnerability and sensitivity to the environment among preschool children, their emotional and behavioral problems deserve more attention. The current study aimed to explore the impact of the epidemic on preschool children's mental health by determining the pooled prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems amidst the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic and to reveal potential reasons for variations between studies. Published studies were searched in Embase, PubMed, ProQuest, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang. Based on the inclusion criteria outlined in this study, a total of 10 studies encompassing 38,059 participants were incorporated. Employing a random-effect model for estimating the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems, the results revealed a pooled prevalence rate of 24.3% (95% CI, 0.15-0.38; I²=99.9%) among preschool children. This rate surpasses the pre-outbreak prevalence observed in different countries, signifying a detrimental influence of the epidemic on the mental well-being of preschoolers. Therefore, mental health care and recovery are essential for the vulnerable group during and after the public health crisis. Specific emotional and behavioral problems among preschool children are expected to be researched in the future to provide more targeted guidance for intervention.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , COVID-19/psychology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Child, Preschool , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Prevalence , Problem Behavior/psychology , Affective Symptoms/epidemiology , Affective Symptoms/psychology , SARS-CoV-2
2.
Ann Acad Med Singap ; 53(6): 361-370, 2024 Jun 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38979992

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of developmental and emotional/ behavioural concerns in maltreated children and to examine the impact of adverse family/caregiver risk factors on these outcomes. Method: We analysed family demographic and baseline data of 132 maltreated children and their caregivers from a family support programme in Singapore. We examined the associations of 3 main risk factors (i.e., caregiver mental health, educational attainment, and family socio-economic status [SES]) with developmental/behavioural outcomes using multivariable logistic regression, controlling for caregiver relationship to the child. Caregiver mental health was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) tools. Developmental/behavioural outcomes were assessed using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3), ASQ-Social-Emotional (ASQ-SE), and the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Results: The children ranged in age, from 2 months to 3 years 11 months (median age 1.7 years, interquartile range [IQR] 0.9-2.6). Among caregivers, 86 (65.2%) were biological mothers, 11 (8.3%) were biological fathers, and 35 (26.5%) were foster parents or extended family members. Low family SES was associated with communication concerns on the ASQ-3 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.04, 95% CI 1.08-8.57, P=0.04). Caregiver mental health concerns were associated with increased behavioural concerns on the CBCL (AOR 6.54, 95% CI 1.83-23.33, P=0.004) and higher scores on the ASQ-SE (AOR 7.78, 95% CI 2.38-25.38, P=0.001). Conclusion: Maltreated children with caregivers experiencing mental health issues are more likely to have heightened emotional and behavioural concerns. Those from low SES families are also at increased risk of language delay, affecting their communication.


Subject(s)
Caregivers , Child Abuse , Humans , Child, Preschool , Caregivers/psychology , Male , Female , Singapore/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Child Abuse/psychology , Child Abuse/statistics & numerical data , Infant , Educational Status , Mental Health , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/etiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Family/psychology , Child Development , Child Behavior/psychology , Social Class
3.
Ann Epidemiol ; 96: 53-57, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38914248

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This prebirth cohort study examined the relationship between breastfeeding duration and behavioral problems in five-year-old Japanese children. METHODS: Study subjects were 1198 mother-child pairs. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Emotional, conduct, hyperactivity, and peer problems and low prosocial behavior were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). RESULTS: Neither exclusive breastfeeding duration nor breastfeeding duration regardless of exclusivity was significantly associated with childhood emotional, conduct, hyperactivity, or peer problems or low prosocial behavior. In children with older siblings only, ≥ 4 months of exclusive breastfeeding was significantly inversely associated with hyperactivity problems (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-0.99). In children without older siblings, ≥ 4 months of exclusive breastfeeding was inversely significantly associated with low prosocial behavior (adjusted OR = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.30-0.93). No interactions were observed between exclusive breastfeeding duration and the presence of older siblings regarding the two outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: No associations were found between breastfeeding duration and any of the outcomes based on the SDQ. Exclusive breastfeeding for ≥ 4 months may be inversely associated with hyperactivity problems in children with older siblings and with low prosocial behavior in children without older siblings.


Subject(s)
Breast Feeding , Child Behavior Disorders , Humans , Breast Feeding/statistics & numerical data , Breast Feeding/psychology , Female , Male , Child, Preschool , Japan/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Problem Behavior/psychology , Time Factors , Adult , Cohort Studies , Mothers/psychology , Mothers/statistics & numerical data , Child Behavior/psychology , East Asian People
4.
Child Abuse Negl ; 153: 106814, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38701670

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Childhood exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with emotional-behavioural problems. However, little is known about children's emotional-behavioural outcomes following exposure to different long-term patterns of IPV. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to investigate the emotional-behavioural functioning of children at 10 years of age following exposure to different patterns of IPV across the first 10 years of life. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Data for this study was drawn from the Mothers' and Young People's Study- a longitudinal study of 1507 first time mothers and their first born child. METHODS: Women were recruited during pregnancy from six public hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Data was collected during pregnancy, and at one, four and ten years postpartum. Four patterns of IPV exposure were previously identified: (a) minimal IPV exposure; (b) early IPV; (c) Increasing IPV; and (d) persistent IPV. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between IPV exposure and emotional-behavioural outcomes. RESULTS: Exposure to early, increasing, or persistent IPV was associated with increased odds of experiencing emotional-behavioural difficulties (OR 2.15-2.97). Children exposed to a persistent pattern of IPV experienced over 6 times the odds of conduct problems (OR = 6.15 CI = 2.3-16.44). CONCLUSIONS: Children exposed to early, increasing, or persistent IPV experienced increased odds of emotional-behavioural problems at age 10, regardless of the duration or type of violence they were exposed to. However, children exposed to persistent IPV across childhood appeared to experience the highest odds of emotional-behavioural difficulties.


Subject(s)
Intimate Partner Violence , Humans , Female , Child , Intimate Partner Violence/psychology , Intimate Partner Violence/statistics & numerical data , Male , Longitudinal Studies , Victoria/epidemiology , Child, Preschool , Adult , Infant , Pregnancy , Young Adult , Exposure to Violence/psychology , Exposure to Violence/statistics & numerical data , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Child Behavior/psychology , Adolescent
5.
BMC Psychiatry ; 24(1): 407, 2024 May 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38816756

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The pandemic has had a significant impact on the daily lives of children and their families, particularly the children of health care workers, due to changes in family routines as a result of their parents' work schedules. We aimed to explore the socioemotional and behavioural (SEB) problems of children of healthcare worker mothers (HCWM) during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare them with age-matched children and their mothers from other occupations. METHOD: A case-control study design was applied, and a snowball approach was used to enrol volunteered participants aged between 6 and 36 months of age, through a Google survey. We used the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) questionnaire to assess children's SEB problems and a Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) to evaluate the psychological distress of mothers. Differences in BITSEA, BSI and MSPSS scores were examined using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests, as appropriate. A logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of children's behavioural and emotional problems. RESULTS: In total, 600 questionnaires were analysed. It was observed that children in the HCWM group were separated from their mothers more often and for longer periods of time than their counterparts (p < 0.010, p = 0.002). Changes in the child's structured outdoor activities during the pandemic period were more likely to be observed in the HCWM group (p < 0.05). The percentage of children with the BITSEA problem subscale above the subclinical cut-off, externalizing and dysregulation scores were significantly higher in the HCWM group (p = 0.044, p = 0.031, and p = 0.016). Moreover, each point increase in BSI global index scores (p < 0.001, RR:3.34, 95%CI:1.91-5.82) was found as a risk factor for clinically significant SEB problems. CONCLUSION: Overall, the current study suggests HCWM's have experienced occupational inequality, and young children of HCWM's were at increased risk for externalizing and dysregulation problems during the pandemic. Maternal psychological stress had a significant impact on their children's socio-emotional well-being.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Health Personnel , Mothers , Humans , COVID-19/psychology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Female , Case-Control Studies , Mothers/psychology , Male , Child, Preschool , Infant , Health Personnel/psychology , Adult , Psychological Distress , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , SARS-CoV-2 , Emotions
6.
Pediatrics ; 153(6)2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38742313

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Establish the longitudinal cross-lagged associations between maltreatment exposure and child behavior problems to promote screening and the type and timing of interventions needed. METHODS: The Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect, a multiwave prospective cohort study of maltreatment exposure, enrolled children and caregivers (N = 1354) at approximately age 4 and followed them throughout childhood and adolescence. Families completed 7 waves of data collection with each wave occurring 2 years apart. Maltreatment was confirmed using official case records obtained from Child Protective Services. Six-month frequencies of behavior problems were assessed via caregiver-report. Two random-intercept, cross-lagged panel models tested the directional relations between maltreatment exposure and externalizing and internalizing behaviors. RESULTS: Maltreatment exposure predicted increases in externalizing behaviors at ages 8 (b = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-1.98), 12 (b = 1.09; 95% CI 0.08-2.09), and 16 (b = 1.67; 95% CI 0.30-3.05) as well as internalizing behaviors at ages 6 (b = 0.66; 95% CI 0.03-1.29), 12 (b = 1.25; 95% CI 0.33-2.17), and 14 (b = 1.92; 95% CI 0.76-2.91). Increases in externalizing behaviors predicted maltreatment exposure at age 12 (odds ratio 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.05). CONCLUSIONS: Maltreatment exposure is robustly associated with subsequent child behavior problems, strengthening inferences about the directionality of these relations. Early screening of externalizing behaviors in pediatric settings can identify children likely to benefit from intervention to reduce such behaviors as well as prevent maltreatment exposure at entry to adolescence.


Subject(s)
Child Abuse , Child Behavior Disorders , Humans , Child , Male , Female , Child Abuse/psychology , Child Abuse/statistics & numerical data , Child, Preschool , Adolescent , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/etiology , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Prospective Studies , Longitudinal Studies , Problem Behavior/psychology
7.
Br J Anaesth ; 133(2): 334-343, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38702238

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recent studies report conflicting results regarding the relationship between labour epidural analgesia (LEA) in mothers and neurodevelopmental disorders in their offspring. We evaluated behavioural and neuropsychological test scores in children of mothers who used LEA. METHODS: Children enrolled in the Raine Study from Western Australia and delivered vaginally from a singleton pregnancy between 1989 and 1992 were evaluated. Children exposed to LEA were compared with unexposed children. The primary outcome was the parent-reported Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) reporting total, internalising, and externalising behavioural problem scores at age 10 yr. Score differences, an increased risk of clinical deficit, and a dose-response based on the duration of LEA exposure were assessed. Secondary outcomes included language, motor function, cognition, and autistic traits. RESULTS: Of 2180 children, 850 (39.0%) were exposed to LEA. After adjustment for covariates, exposed children had minimally increased CBCL total scores (+1.41 points; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09 to 2.73; P=0.037), but not internalising (+1.13 points; 95% CI -0.08 to 2.34; P=0.066) or externalising (+1.08 points; 95% CI -0.08 to 2.24; P=0.068) subscale subscores. Increased risk of clinical deficit was not observed for any CBCL score. For secondary outcomes, score differences were inconsistently observed in motor function and cognition. Increased exposure duration was not associated with worse scores in any outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although LEA exposure was associated with slightly higher total behavioural scores, there was no difference in subscores, increased risk of clinical deficits, or dose-response relationship. These results argue against LEA exposure being associated with consistent, clinically significant neurodevelopmental deficits in children.


Subject(s)
Analgesia, Epidural , Neuropsychological Tests , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Analgesia, Epidural/adverse effects , Child , Male , Analgesia, Obstetrical/adverse effects , Analgesia, Obstetrical/methods , Adult , Western Australia/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/etiology , Child Behavior/drug effects , Child, Preschool , Neurodevelopmental Disorders/epidemiology
8.
Pediatr Int ; 66(1): e15761, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38780217

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Behavioral problems of foster children are an important issue for the maintenance of the foster care system, but they have not been adequately studied in Japan. We used the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) to investigate behavioral problems among foster children and to examine associated factors. METHODS: Twenty-nine foster children and their foster parents and 479 non-foster children and parents were recruited for the foster and control groups, respectively. Both groups underwent statistical comparative analyses using data from their ECBI assessments. The ECBI has two scales: the Intensity Scale quantifies the severity of child behavioral problems, and the Problem Scale captures the caregiver's perceived difficulties handling each behavior. We conducted a retrospective investigation of the background of the foster parent-child pairs to explore potential causal relationships with behavioral problems. RESULTS: The mean intensity score for the foster group was significantly higher than that for the control group (p = 0.001). The mean problem scores for the foster group and the control group were not significantly different (p = 0.79). In the foster group, the retrospective investigation revealed two children with neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders, 17 with histories of abuse, and 10 with other issues. CONCLUSION: Intensity scores showed severe behavioral problems among foster children, perhaps caused by neurological disorders, abuse, parental mental health, or economic hardship. Problem scores showed no significant differences between groups. It can therefore be posited that foster parents might exhibit a more lenient parenting style when dealing with children who have a history of abuse by their biological parents.


Subject(s)
Child Behavior Disorders , Foster Home Care , Humans , Japan/epidemiology , Female , Male , Retrospective Studies , Child , Child, Preschool , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/diagnosis , Foster Home Care/psychology , Child, Foster/psychology , Child Behavior/psychology , Adolescent , Child Abuse/psychology , Child Abuse/statistics & numerical data , Parents/psychology , Infant , Case-Control Studies
9.
Acta Paediatr ; 113(7): 1555-1561, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38597231

ABSTRACT

AIM: Study the association between neighbourhood risk and behaviour in extreme preterm (EPT) children. We hypothesised that EPT children living in high-risk neighbourhoods have increased risk of clinical range behaviour problems at age 30-36 months. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)scores for 739 EPTs born 2005-2016. Addresses were geocoded to identify census block groups and create high versus low-risk groups. Regression analyses assessed the impact of neighbourhood risk on behaviour. RESULTS: Children from high-risk (N = 272, 39%) and low-risk (N = 417, 61%) neighbourhoods were compared. In adjusted analyses, odds of clinical range scores remained greater in high-risk neighbourhoods for Emotionally Reactive (OR: 4.32, CI: 1.13, 16.51), Somatic Complaints (2.30, CI 1.11,4.79), Withdrawn (OR: 2.56, CI: 1.21, 5,42), Aggressive Behaviour (OR: 4.12, CI: 1.45, 11.68), Internalising (OR: 1.96, CI: 1.17, 3.28), and Total score (OR: 1.86, OR: CI: 1.13, 3.07). Cognitive delay was higher in high-risk neighbourhoods and a risk factor for Attention Problems (2.10,1.08, 4.09). Breast milk was protective for Emotionally Reactive (OR: 0.22, CI: 0.06, 0.85) and Sleep Problems (OR: 0.47, CI:0.24, 0.94). CONCLUSION: Neighbourhood risk provided an independent contribution to preterm adverse behaviour outcomes with cognitive delay an additional independent risk factor. Breast milk at discharge was protective.


Subject(s)
Infant, Extremely Premature , Humans , Female , Male , Retrospective Studies , Child, Preschool , Infant, Newborn , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/etiology , Neighborhood Characteristics , Residence Characteristics
10.
J Affect Disord ; 356: 224-232, 2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38608762

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Prenatal negative life events (NLEs) have been linked to adverse health outcomes in children. However, few studies examine this relationship during late childhood using trajectory analyses. Additionally, the impact of specific NLEs domains on child development remains unclear. This study aims to longitudinally explore the association between NLEs (cumulative score and specific NLEs domains) and child outcomes from birth to late childhood. METHODS: 1135 mother-child pairs from the French EDEN cohort were followed from 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy up to 11 years of age. Maternal self-reports of prenatal NLEs were collected immediately after birth, then analyzed as a cumulative score and by NLEs domain. Children's emotional and behavioral symptoms were assessed at 4 timepoints through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS: Children of mothers exposed to ≥3 NLEs were more likely to follow trajectories of high levels of peer relationship problems (aOR [95 % CI] = 5.69 [1.74-18.69]), emotional symptoms (aOR [95 % CI] = 3.05 [1.08-8.63]), and conduct problems (aOR [95 %] = 3.53 [1.20-10.42]). Among the domains of NLEs, only events related to housing, finance, and living conditions were significantly associated with high emotional and behavioral difficulties trajectories (aOR [95%CI] = 2.71[1.26-5.81]). LIMITATIONS: Potential attrition bias due to a higher dropout rate for children experiencing early indications of emotional and behavioral difficulties. CONCLUSION: Findings support the relationship between prenatal NLEs and child outcomes, underscoring the importance of assessing prenatal stressors across life domains to identify mothers who might be in need of support.


Subject(s)
Mothers , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Male , Child , France , Adult , Child, Preschool , Mothers/psychology , Mothers/statistics & numerical data , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/psychology , Problem Behavior/psychology , Infant , Life Change Events , Longitudinal Studies , Affective Symptoms/psychology , Affective Symptoms/epidemiology , Cohort Studies , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology
11.
Neurotoxicology ; 102: 29-36, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38453034

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Organophosphorus pesticide (OP) exposure is known to have adverse effects on the nervous system. Children from agricultural communities are at risk of exposure to these chemicals from their indoor environments that can lead to neurological and developmental problems, including changes in behavior. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the take-home pathway exposure is associated with behavioral and emotional problems in Latino Orchid Community children. METHOD: The study was implemented over a period of two years (2008-2010) in an orchard farming community with a total of 324 parents who had children between the ages of 5-12 years old. Mothers of the children were asked to complete the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and dust from their carpets was collected. Emotional and behavioral deficits were assessed based on the CBCL and house dust was assessed for OP concentrations. In this study, correlations between OPs in house dust and CBCL subscales were estimated using linear regression models with total OP concentrations classified by tertiles. This study also facilitated the comparison between the agricultural and non-agricultural families in terms of behavioral deficits and house dust concentrations of pesticides. RESULTS: The data from the study shows that there was a positive association between the concentration of OP residues in house dust and internalizing behavior (ß=2.06, p=0.05) whereas the association with externalizing behavior was not significant after accounting for sociocultural covariates. Significant positive associations of OP residues with somatic problems (p=0.02) and thought problems (p=0.05) were also found. CONCLUSION: The data support a potential role of OP exposure in childhood development, with a specific focus on internalizing behavior. Future work focused on longitudinal studies may uncover the long-term consequences of OP exposure and behavior.


Subject(s)
Child Behavior , Dust , Environmental Exposure , Hispanic or Latino , Organophosphorus Compounds , Pesticides , Humans , Dust/analysis , Child , Female , Male , Hispanic or Latino/psychology , Child, Preschool , Pesticides/adverse effects , Environmental Exposure/adverse effects , Child Behavior/drug effects , Agriculture , Child Behavior Disorders/chemically induced , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Parents/psychology
12.
Environ Res ; 251(Pt 1): 118511, 2024 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38387490

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may adversely affect child behaviors; however, findings of epidemiologic studies are inconsistent. We examined prenatal PFAS exposure in association with child behavioral problems. METHODS: Participants were 177 mother-child pairs from MARBLES (Markers of Autism Risk in Babies - Learning Early Signs), a cohort with elevated familial likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We quantified nine PFAS in maternal serum (1-3 samples per mother) collected from the 1st to 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. Child behavioral problems were assessed at 3 years of age using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), developed to test for various behavioral problems of children. We examined associations of the CBCL scores with individual PFAS concentrations and with their mixture using negative binomial regression and weighted quantile sum regression models. RESULTS: Higher prenatal perfluorononanoate (PFNA) concentrations were associated with higher scores of externalizing problems [ß = 0.16, 95% CI (0.01, 0.32)] and aggressive behavior [ß = 0.17 (0.01, 0.32)]. Higher PFNA, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) were associated with higher scores of sleep problems [ß = 0.34 (0.15, 0.54) for PFNA, ß = 0.20 (0.02, 0.37) for PFOS, and ß = 0.19 (0.00, 0.37) for PFDA]. No significant associations observed for typically developing children, whereas PFOS, PFNA, and PFDA were associated with several behavioral problems among children diagnosed with ASD or other neurodevelopmental concerns. Exposure to a mixture of PFAS was associated with higher scores of sleep problems and aggressive behavior, mostly contributed by PFNA and PFDA. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that prenatal exposure to some PFAS could increase child behavioral problems at 3 years of age. However, our results should be interpreted with caution because we relied on data from a cohort with increased familial likelihood of ASD and thereby had more behavioral problems.


Subject(s)
Fluorocarbons , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/chemically induced , Fluorocarbons/toxicity , Fluorocarbons/blood , Child, Preschool , Male , Environmental Pollutants/toxicity , Environmental Pollutants/blood , Adult , Problem Behavior , Autism Spectrum Disorder/chemically induced , Autism Spectrum Disorder/epidemiology , Maternal Exposure/adverse effects , Cohort Studies , Child Behavior/drug effects , Child Behavior Disorders/chemically induced , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology
13.
Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol ; 59(8): 1299-1309, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38342824

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to examine the association between household energy poverty (EP) and trajectories of emotional and behavioural difficulties during childhood. METHODS: The Growing up in Ireland study is two nationally representative prospective cohorts of children. The Infant Cohort (n = 11,134) were recruited at age 9 months (9 m) and followed up at 3, 5, 7 and 9 years (y). The Child Cohort (n = 8,538) were recruited at age 9 y and followed up at 13 y and 17/18 y. EP was a composite of two relative measures of EP. Emotional and behavioural difficulties were repeatedly measured using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Linear spline multilevel models were used, adjusted for confounders to examine the association between (1) EP (9 m or 3 y) and trajectories of emotional and behavioural difficulties from 3 to 9 y in the Infant Cohort and (2) EP at 9 y and the same trajectories from 9 to 18 y in the Child Cohort. RESULTS: In adjusted analyses, EP at 9 m or 3 y of age was associated with higher total difficulties score at 3 y (0.66, 95% CI 0.41, 0.91) and 5 y (0.77, 95% CI 0.48, 1.05) but not at 7 y or 9 y. EP at 9 y was associated with higher total difficulties score at 9 y (1.73, 95% CI 1.28, 2.18), with this difference reducing over time leading to 0.68 (95% CI 0.19, 1.17) at 17/18 y. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a potential association between early life EP and emotional and behavioural difficulties that may be transient and attenuate over time during childhood. Further studies are required to replicate these findings and to better understand if these associations are causal.


Subject(s)
Poverty , Humans , Female , Male , Child , Adolescent , Prospective Studies , Child, Preschool , Poverty/psychology , Infant , Ireland/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Affective Symptoms/epidemiology , Affective Symptoms/psychology , Emotions , Problem Behavior/psychology , Family Characteristics
15.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet ; 166(2): 804-811, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38340033

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify the optimal gestational weight gain (GWG) thresholds for behavioral problems and prosocial behavior in 6- to 7-year-old children. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty study, including all first-graders in public schools in Adachi, Tokyo, in 2017, 2019, and 2021 (n = 11 048, response rate = 80.1%). GWG was based on clinical records in the Mother and Child Health Handbook. Total difficulties and prosocial behavior were assessed using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Logistic regression models with restricted cubic splines, and quintile categories were employed to examine the association of GWG with the clinical range of total difficulties and prosocial behavior, controlling for covariates. RESULTS: The association between GWG and total difficulties exhibited a reverse J-shaped pattern, with low GWG, but not high GWG, increasing the risk (odds ratio [OR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.42, P = 0.039 for GWG < 7 kg; OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.85-1.24, P = 0.786 for GWG > 14 kg), referencing the median (10 kg). High GWG was associated with a lower risk of problems in prosocial behavior (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.95, P = 0.017 for GWG > 14 kg; OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.88-1.27, P = 0.532 for GWG <7 kg). CONCLUSION: GWG less than 7 kg may increase the risk of total difficulties, whereas GWG over 14 kg may serve as a protective factor for prosocial behavior in 6- to 7-year-old children.


Subject(s)
Gestational Weight Gain , Humans , Child , Female , Male , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Japan/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/etiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Logistic Models , Problem Behavior , Child Behavior , Cohort Studies
16.
J Child Psychol Psychiatry ; 65(8): 1010-1021, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38253062

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Both transactional and common etiological models have been proposed as explanations of why externalizing behavior problems (EBP) and internalizing behavior problems (IBP) co-occur in children. Yet little research has empirically evaluated these competing theoretical explanations. We examined whether EBP and IBP are transactionally related at the within-child level while also identifying antecedents commonly associated with between-child differences in underlying stability of both EBP and IBP across elementary school. METHODS: We analyzed a nationally representative and longitudinal sample of US schoolchildren (N = 7,326; 51% male) using random-intercept cross-lagged panel modeling (RI-CLPM). We used teacher ratings of EBP and IBP as annually assessed from the spring of kindergarten (Mage = 6.12 years) through the spring of 5th grade (Mage = 11.09 years). Early childhood antecedents included child internal (i.e. inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and language/literacy) and external factors (i.e. parental warmth, harsh parenting, parenting stress, and maternal depressive symptoms). RESULTS: We found little evidence for within-child, transactional relations between EBP and IBP. Both types of behavior problems instead were substantially associated at the between-child level. Inhibitory control was the strongest common antecedent that explained this longitudinal overlap. Cognitive flexibility, working memory, language/literacy skills, and maternal depression contributed specifically to the stability of IBP. Measures of parenting were specific to the stability of EBP. CONCLUSIONS: Common etiological factors rather than transactional relations better explain the co-occurrence of EBP and IBP during elementary school. Inhibitory control is a promising target of early intervention efforts for schoolchildren at risk of displaying both EBP and IBP.


Subject(s)
Problem Behavior , Humans , Male , Female , Child , Longitudinal Studies , United States/epidemiology , Child Behavior , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Behavioral Symptoms/epidemiology
17.
Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry ; 33(3): 761-769, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36995428

ABSTRACT

It is essential to clarify factors associated with mental health and behavioral problems in early childhood, because children are critical stages of life for mental health. We aimed to prospectively examine the associations between maternal social isolation and behavioral problems in preschool children. We analyzed data from 5842 mother-child pairs who participated in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. The Lubben Social Network Scale-abbreviated version was used to assess social isolation (defined as scores < 12) one year after delivery. The Child Behavior Checklist 1½-5 was used to assess behavioral problems, and its subscales were used to assess internalizing and externalizing problems in children at 4 years of age. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between social isolation and behavioral problems, after adjustment for age, education, income, work status, marital status, extraversion, neuroticism, depressive symptoms, child sex, and number of siblings. Multiple logistic regression analyses were also conducted for internalizing problems and externalizing problems. The prevalence of maternal social isolation was 25.4%. Maternal social isolation was associated with an increased risk of behavioral problems in children: the odds ratio (OR) was 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.64). Maternal social isolation was also associated with increased risks of internalizing problems and externalizing problems in children: the ORs were 1.33 (95% CI, 1.12-1.59) and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.18-1.66), respectively. In conclusion, maternal social isolation one year after delivery was associated with behavioral problems in children at 4 years of age.


Subject(s)
Child Behavior Disorders , Problem Behavior , Humans , Child, Preschool , Female , Child , Cohort Studies , Problem Behavior/psychology , Mothers/psychology , Child Behavior Disorders/diagnosis , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Social Isolation
18.
Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry ; 33(3): 787-797, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37010646

ABSTRACT

Research examining the development of behavior, emotions and language, and their intertwining is limited as only few studies had a longitudinal design, mostly with a short follow-up period. Moreover, most studies did not evaluate whether internalizing symptoms and externalizing symptoms are independently associated with language ability. This study examines bidirectional associations between internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms and language ability in childhood in a large, population-based cohort. Longitudinal data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a cohort of children in the United Kingdom followed from birth to 11 years (n = 10,878; 50.7% boys), were analyzed. Internalizing and externalizing symptoms were based on parent reports. Language ability (higher scores reflecting poorer ability) was assessed by trained interviewers at ages 3, 5, 7 and 11 years. Structural Equation Models (SEM) were performed, including random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM) and cross-lagged panel models (CLPM). Internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms and language ability were stable over time and co-occur with each other from early life onwards. Over time, externalizing symptoms in early childhood were associated with less growth in language skills and with increases in internalizing symptoms. In late childhood, language ability was negatively associated with later internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The early start, co-occurrence and persistent nature of internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms and (poorer) language ability highlights the importance of comprehensive assessments in young children who present problems in one of these domains. Specifically, among children in the early grades of elementary school, those with language difficulties may benefit from careful monitoring as they are more likely to develop difficulties in behavior and emotions.


Subject(s)
Child Behavior Disorders , Mental Health , Male , Humans , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Cohort Studies , Emotions , Language , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Longitudinal Studies
19.
Gesundheitswesen ; 86(6): 420-429, 2024 Jun.
Article in German | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38113899

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Behavioral problems in children are indicators of compromised mental health. Their development is influenced by family and social factors, with limited understanding of interactions among family structure, educational status, migration background, and parental employment concerning behavioral problems. These associations were investigated in children between 5-6 years of age. METHODS: Data (n=15,271) were collected between 09/2018 and 08/2019 in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein as part of school entry examinations. Children's behavioral problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Statistical analyses included descriptive assessments and the calculation of a bivariate logistic regression model, with SDQ's outcomes "problematic" and "non-problematic" as dependent variables, and social and family factors as independent variables (gender, family structure, number of siblings, language proficiency, migration background, parental education level, parental employment, and sports participation in a sports club). RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses revealed that children living with single parents had a 2.1-fold (odds ratio; OR) higher likelihood [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7-2.6] of displaying behavioral problems compared to children living with both biological parents. Only children had a 1.4-fold higher likelihood [95% CI: 1.2-1.8] compared to children with one or two siblings. Children with a unilateral migration background exhibited a lower likelihood of behavioral problems [OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.38-0.87] than children without a migration background. Children from families with low educational attainment had a 3-fold higher likelihood of behavioral problems [95% CI: 2.3-3.8] compared to those from high educational attainment families. When both parents (or the single parent) were employed at least part-time, there was a lower likelihood of behavioral problems [OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.47-0.71] in the child compared to situations where at least one parent was unemployed. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified sociodemographic factors associated with manifestation of behavioral problems. Particularly, single parents, families with lower educational levels and families with at least one unemployed parent should be targeted for intervention.


Subject(s)
Child Behavior Disorders , Humans , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Child , Germany/epidemiology , Family Characteristics , Educational Status , Socioeconomic Factors , Problem Behavior/psychology , Risk Factors , Employment/statistics & numerical data , Family Structure
20.
J Child Psychol Psychiatry ; 65(7): 874-886, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38158849

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A large body of work has reported a link between prenatal exposure to infection and increased psychiatric risk in offspring. However, studies to date have focused primarily on exposure to severe prenatal infections and/or individual psychiatric diagnoses in clinical samples, typically measured at single time points, and without accounting for important genetic and environmental confounders. In this study, we investigated whether exposure to common infections during pregnancy is prospectively associated with repeatedly assessed child psychiatric symptoms in a large population-based study. METHODS: Our study was embedded in a prospective pregnancy cohort (Generation R; n = 3,598 mother-child dyads). We constructed a comprehensive prenatal infection score comprising common infections for each trimester of pregnancy. Child total, internalizing, and externalizing problems were assessed repeatedly using the parent-rated Child Behavioral Checklist (average age: 1.5, 3, 6, 10, and 14 years). Linear mixed-effects models were run adjusting for a range of confounders, including child polygenic scores for psychopathology, maternal chronic illness, birth complications, and infections during childhood. We also investigated trimester-specific effects and child sex as a potential moderator. RESULTS: Prenatal exposure to infections was associated with higher child total, internalizing, and externalizing problems, showing temporally persistent effects, even after adjusting for important genetic and environmental confounders. We found no evidence that prenatal infections were associated with changes in child psychiatric symptoms over time. Moreover, in our trimester-specific analysis, we did not find evidence of significant timing effects of prenatal infection on child psychiatric symptoms. No interactions with child sex were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our research adds to evidence that common prenatal infections may be a risk factor for psychiatric symptoms in children. We also extend previous findings by showing that these associations are present early on, and that rather than changing over time, they persist into adolescence. However, unmeasured confounding may still explain in part these associations. In the future, employing more advanced causal inference designs will be crucial to establishing the degree to which these effects are causal.


Subject(s)
Child Behavior Disorders , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects , Humans , Female , Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Child , Child, Preschool , Male , Longitudinal Studies , Adolescent , Child Behavior Disorders/epidemiology , Child Behavior Disorders/etiology , Infant , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Adult
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