Demographic and psychosocial factors associated with hair cortisol concentrations in preschool children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early life stress has enduring effects on physical and mental health. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) reflect exposures to contextual stressors in early life, but are understudied in preschool children.

Methods

Hair samples from children (N = 693) during clinic visits (CVs) scheduled at 1-4 years (CV1-CV4) were measured using validated assay methods for HCC.

Results

HCCs were highest at CV1 and decreased at CV2-CV4, with no sex differences. Black children had higher HCC than White/other children; these differences persisted even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Bivariable analyses showed significant effects on HCC for Black race, with specific demographic and psychosocial factors at different ages. Multivariable analyses showed that higher HCC

SUBMITTER: Anand KJS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7196501 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature