Developmental predictors of inattention-hyperactivity from pregnancy to early childhood
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Abstract(s)
Objective
The objective of the study was to characterize the developmental sequence of pre- and
postnatal risk factors for inattention-hyperactivity symptoms in preschoolers.
Materials and Methods
Longitudinal data came from a French population based birth cohort study (EDEN; N =
1311 mother-child pairs followed from the pregnancy onwards). Inattention-hyperactivity
symptoms were assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire when participating
children were 3 years of age. Potential risk factors were classified in four domains (fetal
exposures and child somatic characteristics, child temperament, child neurodevelopmental
status, psychosocial environment) and four periods (before pregnancy, prenatal/birth, infancy,
toddlerhood). Their role as potential moderator or mediator was tested with path analysis
to determine the developmental sequence.Results
A low family socioeconomic status before pregnancy was the main environmental risk factor
for inattention-hyperactivity symptoms at 3 years, and its effect occurred via two pathways.
The first was a risk pathway, where lower SES was associated with higher maternal depression
and anxiety during pregnancy; then to higher maternal and child distress and dysregulation
in infancy; and in turn to higher levels of inattention-hyperactivity at 3 years. The
second was a protective pathway, where higher SES was associated with longer duration of breastfeeding during infancy; then to better child neurodevelopmental status in toddlerhood;
and in turn to lower levels of inattention-hyperactivity at 3 years.
Discussion
This study identified psychosocial factors at several developmental periods that represent
potential targets for preventing the emergence of inattention-hyperactivity symptoms in
early childhood.
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