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Maternal smoking and behavior problems of children
M Weitzman1, S Gortmaker, A Sobol
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine, and Dentistry, NY.
Insights
Maternal smoking during and after pregnancy is linked to increased childhood behavior problems. This study analyzed data from 2256 children, controlling for numerous factors, to establish this association.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal smoking is linked to adverse child health outcomes like low birth weight and respiratory infections.
- Evidence connecting maternal smoking to children's behavior problems is limited.
- Understanding this link is crucial for early intervention and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal smoking (prenatal, passive, and combined exposure) and children's behavior problems.
- To control for a comprehensive list of confounding variables in the analysis.
- To utilize data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth for robust findings.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 2256 children aged 4-11 years from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth.
- Multiple regression analyses controlling for child, family, and maternal factors.
- Assessment of maternal smoking intensity and exposure timing (prenatal, passive, prenatal plus passive).
- Use of the Behavior Problem Index (PBI) for measuring children's behavior problems.
Main Results:
- Maternal smoking, particularly prenatal plus passive exposure, was associated with increased behavior problems in children.
- Specific smoking intensities and exposure windows showed varying degrees of association.
- The study controlled for numerous potential confounders, strengthening the observed relationship.
Conclusions:
- Maternal smoking represents a significant risk factor for the development of behavior problems in children.
- Public health initiatives should emphasize smoking cessation for pregnant women and families.
- Further research may explore specific behavioral manifestations and underlying mechanisms.
Abstract:
Numerous health consequences of children's exposure to maternal smoking have been demonstrated, including increased rates of low birth weight, infant mortality, respiratory infections, asthma, and modest impairments of cognitive development. There is little evidence, however, linking maternal smoking and increased rates of children's behavior problems. Data from the population-based National Longitudinal Survey of Youth were used to investigate the possible association of maternal smoking and behavior problems among 2256 children aged 4 through 11 years. In multiple regression analyses the authors controlled for child's race, age, sex, birth weight, and chronic asthma; family structure, income, and divorce or separation in the prior 2 years; mother's education, intelligence, self-esteem, employment status, chronic disabling health conditions, and use of alcohol during pregnancy; and the quality of the home environment as assessed by the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment-Short Form to investigate the relationship between maternal smoking and children's behavior problems. The measure of maternal smoking status reflected two levels of smoking intensity (less than a pack per day and a pack or more per day) for each of three different categories of children's exposure: prenatal only (mother smoked only during pregnancy), passive only (mother smoked only after pregnancy), and prenatal plus passive exposure (mother smoked both during and after pregnancy). Measures of children's behavior problems included the overall score on a 32-item parent-reported child Behavior Problem Index (PBI), scores on the BPI's subscales, and rates of extreme scores on the BPI.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)