Citation

Guhn M, Emerson SD, Mahdaviani D, Gadermann AM. Child Psychiatry Hum. Dev. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10578-019-00912-6

PMID

31338644

Abstract

Using a linked population-based database established on healthcare, socio-economic, and survey datasets in British Columbia, Canada, we examined how biological, socio-demographic, and socio-economic status (SES) factors at birth related to children's emotional development and mental health. One analysis examined teacher-rated anxiety, hyperactivity, and aggression for kindergarten children (M_age = 5.7; n = 134,094). Another analysis examined administrative healthcare records comprising of physician-assigned diagnostic codes for mental health conditions (conduct disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder and depression) from ages 5 through 15 (n = 89,404). Various factors at birth, including gestational age, birthweight, and maternal demographics, were related to emotional development and mental health in childhood. Across outcomes, low SES indicated detrimental associations with various aspects of children's emotional development and mental health (e.g., adjusted odds of mental health conditions were 25-39% higher for children of low income families versus others).

FINDINGS reinforce evidence that poverty (reduction) is a primary public health issue.

Language: en

Keywords

Birth factors; Children; Mental health; Perinatal; Socio-economic status