Blood lead levels mediate the relationship between social adversity and child externalizing behavior.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aims

The association between social adversity and externalizing behavioral problems in children is well-documented. What is much less researched are biological mechanisms that may mediate such relationships. This study examines the hypothesis that low blood lead mediates the relationship between social adversity and child externalizing behavior problems.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, participants were 131 children aged 11-12 years (mean = 11.90) from Philadelphia, US. A venous fasting blood sample was taken and analyzed for blood lead levels. A social adversity index was calculated based on 10 total indicators derived from a psychosocial interview of the parent and official neighborhood data, while child behavior outcomes (internalizing and externalizing

SUBMITTER: Liu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10117419 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature