Perinatal environmental exposures, maternal mental health and cognitive outcomes in very preterm infants born in urban London
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Environmental exposures impact very preterm infants. Poor air quality and limited green space linked to cognitive delay, while reduced noise exposure may improve maternal mental health.
Area Of Science
- Perinatal environmental health
- Neurodevelopmental research
- Maternal mental health
Background
- Very preterm (VPT) infants have higher neurodevelopmental risks.
- The influence of combined perinatal environmental exposures on maternal mental health and infant outcomes is not well understood.
- This study investigates the relationship between joint environmental exposures and postnatal maternal anxiety and neurodevelopment in VPT infants.
Purpose Of The Study
- To examine the impact of distinct environmental exposure profiles on maternal anxiety and infant neurodevelopment in very preterm infants.
- To explore the role of socioeconomic status (SES) in mediating the effects of environmental exposures.
- To identify specific environmental factors that may negatively affect early development or support maternal well-being.
Main Methods
- Included 427 very preterm infants born in Greater London (2010-2013).
- Derived residential environmental exposures (air pollutants, noise, open space) and used clustering to identify exposure profiles.
- Assessed infant neurodevelopment (cognitive, brain imaging) and maternal anxiety at term-equivalent age and 18-24 months, adjusting for socioeconomic status.
Main Results
- Three distinct environmental exposure profiles were identified.
- Infants in the profile with poor air quality and limited open space showed higher risks of cognitive delay and socioeconomic disadvantage.
- Reduced maternal anxiety was associated with the profile characterized by low noise exposure. Socioeconomic status accounted for 20.91% of the environmental effect on cognitive delay.
Conclusions
- Perinatal environmental exposures significantly influence maternal and infant outcomes.
- Exposure to neurotoxicants and lack of access to restorative environments may impair early neurodevelopment.
- Reducing noise pollution could benefit maternal mental health, highlighting the critical role of the environment in early development.
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