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Pre- and postnatal tobacco and cannabis exposure and child behavior problems: Bidirectional associations, joint

Rina D Eiden1, Junru Zhao1, Meghan Casey1

  • 1Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, State University of New York.

Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|February 12, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal tobacco exposure impacts girls' behavior more, while maternal cannabis use and child behavior problems show a two-way link over time. This research highlights substance use effects on child development.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Prenatal and postnatal substance exposure can impact child development.
  • Understanding the joint effects of tobacco and cannabis is crucial.
  • Bidirectional relationships between maternal substance use and child behavior require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine associations between prenatal/postnatal tobacco and cannabis exposure and child behavior problems.
  • To investigate sex differences in these associations.
  • To explore bidirectional links between maternal postnatal substance use and child behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 247 mother-child dyads.
  • Assessment of maternal substance use (tobacco, cannabis) and child behavior problems from pregnancy to 3 years.
  • Analysis of prenatal exposure, postnatal substance use, and child behavior outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal tobacco exposure was linked to higher internalizing, attention, and sleep problems in girls.
  • Higher maternal cigarette consumption during pregnancy showed stronger associations with anxiety/depression and attention problems in girls.
  • Bidirectional associations were found between child behavior problems and maternal postnatal cannabis use.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal tobacco exposure has a more pronounced effect on girls' behavior problems.
  • Maternal substance use and child behavior problems can influence each other over time.
  • Findings emphasize the need to consider joint substance exposures and bidirectional effects in research and interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
CannabisChild behavior problemsPrenatal substance exposureTobacco

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