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Prenatal maternal negative life events associated with child emotional and behavioral problems in the French EDEN
Sara Avendano1, Simi Moirangthem1, Muriel Taflet2
1Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Social Epidemiology Research Team, F 75012 Paris, France.
Insights
Prenatal negative life events (NLEs) are linked to child emotional and behavioral problems. Events concerning housing, finance, and living conditions were most impactful, highlighting the need for maternal support during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Maternal Health
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Prenatal negative life events (NLEs) are associated with adverse child health outcomes.
- Longitudinal studies examining NLEs and child development trajectories into late childhood are limited.
- The specific impact of different NLE domains on child development requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally explore the association between prenatal negative life events (NLEs), both cumulative and by specific domains, and child outcomes from birth to late childhood.
- To identify specific NLE domains that significantly impact child emotional and behavioral development.
- To analyze child developmental trajectories in relation to prenatal NLE exposure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 1135 mother-child pairs in the French EDEN cohort, followed from pregnancy to 11 years of age.
- Collected maternal self-reports of prenatal NLEs immediately after birth, analyzing them as cumulative scores and by domain.
- Assessed children's emotional and behavioral symptoms at four time points using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Children exposed to three or more NLEs showed higher likelihoods of developing peer relationship problems (aOR=5.69), emotional symptoms (aOR=3.05), and conduct problems (aOR=3.53).
- Prenatal NLEs related to housing, finance, and living conditions were significantly associated with trajectories of high emotional and behavioral difficulties (aOR=2.71).
Conclusions:
- Findings confirm a significant relationship between prenatal negative life events and adverse child outcomes.
- Assessing prenatal stressors across various life domains is crucial for identifying mothers needing support.
- Early identification and support for mothers experiencing NLEs can mitigate potential negative impacts on child development.
Introduction:
Prenatal negative life events (NLEs) have been linked to adverse health outcomes in children. However, few studies examine this relationship during late childhood using trajectory analyses. Additionally, the impact of specific NLEs domains on child development remains unclear. This study aims to longitudinally explore the association between NLEs (cumulative score and specific NLEs domains) and child outcomes from birth to late childhood.
Methods:
1135 mother-child pairs from the French EDEN cohort were followed from 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy up to 11 years of age. Maternal self-reports of prenatal NLEs were collected immediately after birth, then analyzed as a cumulative score and by NLEs domain. Children's emotional and behavioral symptoms were assessed at 4 timepoints through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.
Results:
Children of mothers exposed to ≥3 NLEs were more likely to follow trajectories of high levels of peer relationship problems (aOR [95 % CI] = 5.69 [1.74-18.69]), emotional symptoms (aOR [95 % CI] = 3.05 [1.08-8.63]), and conduct problems (aOR [95 %] = 3.53 [1.20-10.42]). Among the domains of NLEs, only events related to housing, finance, and living conditions were significantly associated with high emotional and behavioral difficulties trajectories (aOR [95%CI] = 2.71[1.26-5.81]).
Limitations:
Potential attrition bias due to a higher dropout rate for children experiencing early indications of emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Conclusion:
Findings support the relationship between prenatal NLEs and child outcomes, underscoring the importance of assessing prenatal stressors across life domains to identify mothers who might be in need of support.
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