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Processed data for CHMS 2007-2009: Bisphenol A, phthalates and lead and learning and behavioral problems in Canadian
Tye E Arbuckle1, Karelyn Davis1, Khrista Boylan2
1Population Studies Division, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Insights
Urinary BPA and phthalate metabolites may be associated with child behavioral and learning problems. This study analyzed Canadian Health Measures Survey data to explore these links in children aged 6-19.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like BPA and phthalates is widespread.
- Childhood learning and behavioral issues, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), are significant public health concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between urinary BPA and phthalate metabolite concentrations and child learning and behavioral problems.
- To consider covariates such as gender, blood lead, and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the analysis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cross-sectional data from Cycle 1 of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS).
- Utilized the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for emotional symptoms, hyperactivity/inattention, and total difficulties.
- Examined outcomes including learning disability, ADD/ADHD, and psychotropic medication use.
Main Results:
- Weighted logistic regression models were used to estimate associations.
- Odds ratios were calculated for urinary BPA and phthalate metabolites in relation to ADHD, learning disability, and behavioral outcomes.
- Specific gravity and blood lead levels were included as covariates.
Conclusions:
- The study provides processed data on potential links between EDC exposure and child neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Findings contribute to understanding environmental influences on child behavior and learning.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these associations and explore underlying mechanisms.
Abstract:
This article presents processed data from an analysis of cross-sectional data from Cycle 1 of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) to examine the potential association between urinary concentrations of BPA and phthalate metabolites and child learning and behavioral problems, considering important covariates such as gender, blood lead and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). These processed data are related to the research on a subset of the children (Arbuckle et al., 2016) [1]. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) outcomes of interest were emotional symptoms, hyperactivity/inattention, and a total difficulties SDQ score, with borderline and abnormal scores grouped together and compared with children with normal scores. Other outcomes studied included reported learning disability, ADD/ADHD (attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and use of psychotropic medications to treat behavioral disorders in the past month. Data are presented for all children 6-19 years of age combined. Weighted simple logistic regression estimates for important covariates of each of the outcomes from CHMS Cycle 1 children are reported. Odds ratios based on weighted multiple logistic regression estimates for urinary BPA and phthalate metabolites (including specific gravity as a covariate) and blood lead are presented for the reported outcomes ADD/ADHD, learning disability and psychotropic medications, as well as the SDQ outcomes emotional symptoms, hyperactivity/inattention and total difficulties.
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