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Fetal growth and subsequent mental health problems in children aged 4 to 13 years
S R Zubrick1, J J Kurinczuk, B M McDermott
1TVW Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Perth, and Department of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia. steve@ichr.uwa.edu.au
Insights
Children with suboptimal fetal growth, indicated by low percentage of expected birthweight, face significantly higher risks for mental health issues and academic impairment. This highlights the critical link between early development and long-term child well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Suboptimal fetal growth is a concern for long-term child development.
- Understanding the link between fetal growth and mental health is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between suboptimal fetal growth and mental health outcomes in children.
- To determine if poor fetal growth predicts later mental health morbidity, academic impairment, and general health issues.
Main Methods:
- A population-based random sample survey of 1775 children aged 4-13 years in Western Australia.
- Utilized the Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher Report Form to assess mental health.
- Measured fetal growth using the percentage of expected birthweight (PEBW).
Main Results:
- Children below the 2nd centile of PEBW (57%-72% of expected weight) showed a significant risk of mental health morbidity (OR 2.9).
- These children were also more likely to be rated as academically impaired (OR 6.0) and have poor general health (OR 5.1).
Conclusions:
- Suboptimal fetal growth is a significant risk factor for adverse mental health and developmental outcomes in children.
- Early identification of poor fetal growth may allow for timely interventions to mitigate long-term health and academic challenges.
Abstract:
To test the hypothesis that children with suboptimal fetal growth have significantly poorer mental health outcomes than those with optimal growth, a population random sample survey of children aged 4 to 16 years in Western Australia in 1993 was conducted. The Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach 1991a) and the Teacher Report Form (Achenbach 1991b) were used to define mental health morbidity. Survey data for 1775 children aged 4 to 13 years were available for linkage with original birth information. The percentage of expected birthweight (PEBW) was used as the measure of fetal growth. Children below the 2nd centile of PEBW who had achieved only 57% to 72% of their expected birthweight given their gestation at delivery were at significant risk of a mental health morbidity (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.18, 7.12). In addition, they were more likely to be rated as academically impaired (OR 6.0, 95% CI 2.25, 16.06) and to have poor general health (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.69, 15.52).