The persistent effects of foetal growth on child and adolescent mental health: longitudinal evidence from a large population-based cohort.

ABSTRACT: Low birth weight for one's gestational age is associated with higher rates of child psychopathology, however, most studies assess psychopathology cross-sectionally. The effect of such foetal growth restriction appears to be strongest for attention problems in childhood, although adult studies have found associations with a range of outcomes, from depression to psychosis. We explore how associations between foetal growth and psychopathology change across age, and whether they vary by sex. We used a large nationally representative cohort of children from Ireland (N ~ 8000). Parents completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at 3 time points (age 9, 13 and 17). Outcomes included a total problems scale and subscales measuring attention/hyperactivity, peer, conduct and emotion

SUBMITTER: Dooley N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10533650 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature