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Prenatal Maternal Psychological Distress and Offspring Risk for Recurrent Respiratory Infections

Laura S Korhonen1, Linnea Karlsson2, Noora M Scheinin3

  • 1FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|February 7, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Maternal prenatal psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, is linked to an increased risk of recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) in young children. This finding highlights a potential, previously unrecognized risk factor for childhood RRIs.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal mental health
  • Childhood respiratory health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) in children lead to frequent healthcare utilization and antibiotic use.
  • Prenatal maternal psychological distress, encompassing depression and anxiety, is a potential, under-recognized risk factor for RRIs.
  • Understanding these prenatal factors is crucial for developing targeted preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal prenatal psychological distress (depression, anxiety) and relationship quality with the risk of RRIs in children up to two years of age.
  • To identify prenatal risk factors for RRIs in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based pregnancy cohort in Finland (FinnBrain) was utilized.
  • Children with RRIs (n=204) and a comparison group (n=1014) were identified via maternal reports at 12 or 24 months.
  • Maternal prenatal depression, anxiety, and relationship quality were assessed using validated scales at 34 weeks gestation, with adjustment for postnatal symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Maternal prenatal depression (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.44) and anxiety symptoms (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.01-1.76) were significantly associated with child RRIs by 24 months.
  • Poor parental relationship quality (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.01-1.58) also correlated with an increased risk of RRIs.
  • Additional risk factors identified included a greater number of siblings, shorter breastfeeding duration, and maternal education level.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy is associated with an elevated risk of recurrent respiratory infections in children.
  • Prenatal mental health may play a significant role in a child's susceptibility to respiratory illnesses.
  • These findings underscore the importance of addressing maternal mental well-being during pregnancy to potentially reduce childhood RRIs.
Abstract

Keywords:
acute otitis mediachildrenparental relationship satisfactionpsychological distress

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