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Birth order and socioeconomic disadvantage predict behavioural and emotional problems at age 3 years

Anders Hjern1,2,3, Malin Bergström1,2,3, Emma Fransson4

  • 1Centre for Health Equity Studies, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|September 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Socioeconomic disadvantage and being the first-born child are key predictors of behavioral and emotional problems in preschoolers. Early identification and support are crucial for at-risk children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Behavioral and emotional problems in preschoolers are a significant public health concern.
  • Understanding predictors is crucial for early intervention and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify sociodemographic and family predictors of behavioral and emotional problems in preschoolers.
  • To analyze factors associated with high scores on the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in 3-year-olds.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 30,795 children in the Stockholm region.
  • Utilized parent-completed Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) data.
  • Employed multivariate logistic regression to analyze predictor variables.

Main Results:

  • Young parental age and lower parental education predicted higher SDQ scores.
  • First-born children had a significantly higher risk (OR 2.10) of high SDQ scores.
  • Sole physical custody and higher Care Need Index (CNI) in clinics correlated with increased difficulties.

Conclusions:

  • Socioeconomic disadvantage and being a first-born child are primary predictors of poor mental health in 3-year-olds.
  • Well-baby clinics in disadvantaged areas require enhanced resources for equitable prevention efforts.
Abstract

Keywords:
inequitymental healthpre-school childrenpreventionsingle parentyoung parents

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