Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development
Published on: May 17, 2024
Association of premature birth and maternal education level on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children:
Yin-Kai Zhao1, Meng Li2, Ting-Ting Shi1
1Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China.
Insights
Preterm birth significantly elevates children's risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Conversely, higher maternal education levels act as a protective factor, reducing ADHD incidence. Public health should prioritize early intervention for preterm infants and enhance maternal education.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
- Preterm birth and maternal education are recognized as significant factors influencing ADHD risk.
- Limited systematic reviews and meta-analyses exist on these specific associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis on the association between preterm birth and maternal education level with ADHD risk in children.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of major databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to June 2024.
- Data synthesis using random-effect models.
- Study quality assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Main Results:
- Preterm birth was significantly associated with increased ADHD risk (OR = 2.76, 95% CI: 2.52-3.04).
- Higher maternal education levels were significantly associated with reduced ADHD risk (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.48-0.73).
- Maternal education showed a significant protective effect, particularly in studies from China.
Conclusions:
- Preterm birth is a significant risk factor for childhood ADHD.
- Higher maternal education levels are a protective factor against ADHD.
- Public health strategies should include early intervention for preterm infants and improved maternal education to reduce ADHD incidence.
Background:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood. There is growing evidence that both preterm birth and maternal education levels substantially affect the likelihood of ADHD in children. However, there are limited systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining these associations.
Aim:
To systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis on the association of preterm birth and maternal education level on the risk of ADHD in children.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive literature search across MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, including studies published up to June 17, 2024. Data synthesis was performed using random-effect models, and the quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Results:
This study included twelve studies, which revealed a significant association between premature delivery and an increased risk of ADHD in children [odds ratio (OR) = 2.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.52-3.04, P < 0.001, I² = 1.9%). Conversely, higher maternal education levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of ADHD in children (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.48-0.73, P < 0.001, I² = 47.1%). Subgroup analysis further indicated that maternal education levels significantly influenced ADHD risk, particularly in studies conducted in China (OR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.46-0.75, P < 0.001, I² = 81.2%), while no significant association was observed in studies from other regions (OR = 1.25, 95%CI: 0.66-2.40, P = 0.495, I² = 92.3%). The sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of our findings, showing no significant publication bias.
Conclusion:
This study found that preterm birth significantly increases the risk of ADHD in children, while a higher maternal education level serves as a protective factor against ADHD. To reduce the incidence of ADHD in children, public health policies should focus on early intervention for preterm infants and improving maternal education levels.
More Related Videos
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
19:15Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
01:29Environmental Influences on Intelligence
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:30Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
01:30Information Processing Approach
01:28Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...