Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Maternal smoking during pregnancy, behavioral problems and school performances of their school-aged children

Lubomir Kukla1, Drahoslava Hrubá, Mojmír Tyrlík

  • 1Research Institute of Preventive and Social Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic. lubomir.kukla@tiscali.cz

Central European Journal of Public Health
|July 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke is linked to increased behavioral problems and learning difficulties in children. This study confirms that children of smoking mothers exhibit more frequent issues with schoolwork and behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Child behavior and school performance are influenced by genetic and environmental factors, including prenatal exposure to neurotoxins in cigarette smoke.
  • The European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC) in the Czech Republic examines children born in 1991/2.
  • This study analyzes the relationship between prenatal smoke exposure and developmental disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prenatal exposure to maternal smoking and behavioral and learning disorders in children.
  • To analyze the frequency of specific behavioral issues and school performance deficits in prenatally exposed children.

Main Methods:

  • Data collected via teacher questionnaires and research team protocols for children at ages 8, 11, and 13.
  • Children categorized into prenatally exposed and non-exposed groups based on maternal smoking reports during pregnancy.
  • Statistical analysis using SPSS (Pearson's chi-squared test, linear associations).

Main Results:

  • Children prenatally exposed to maternal smoking showed more frequent inferior schoolwork performance and higher rates of diagnosed disorders.
  • Increased occurrence of special care needs was observed in the exposed group compared to non-exposed peers.
  • Prenatally exposed children exhibited more frequent behavioral disorders, including attention deficits, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, and delinquency signs.

Conclusions:

  • The Czech ELSPAC cohort findings align with previous research, confirming a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and adverse child outcomes.
  • Children born to smoking mothers experience more frequent behavioral problems and difficulties with school assignments during school age.
  • Prenatal smoke exposure is a significant environmental factor impacting child development and academic success.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Quantification of Social Behavior in Adult Rats11:01

Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Quantification of Social Behavior in Adult Rats

Published on: December 14, 2014

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development15:27

Construction of Vapor Chambers Used to Expose Mice to Alcohol During the Equivalent of all Three Trimesters of Human Development

Published on: July 13, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV01:26

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Environmental Influences on Intelligence01:29

Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Despite the strong genetic influence on traits like intelligence, environmental factors significantly shape outcomes. For example, while over 90% of height variation is due to genetic differences, environmental factors such as nutrition also have a notable impact. Similarly, for intelligence, changes in a child's surroundings can significantly alter their IQ. Research shows that enriched environments boost children's academic success and help them develop key cognitive skills. Children from...
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...