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Pre-, postnatal smoke exposure associated with pediatric behavioral problems

Exposure to tobacco smoke during the pre- and postnatal periods was associated with internalizing and externalizing problems in childhood, according to study findings in PLoS One.

“The consequences of childhood environmental tobacco smoke exposure have often been described and include many physical symptoms or diseases such as asthma or sudden infant death syndrome. However, much less is known about the potential role of [environmental tobacco smoke] exposure in the development of behavioral problems in children,” Julie Chastang, MD, of Pierre-and-Marie-Curie University in Paris, and colleagues wrote. “Association between behavioral problems and [environmental tobacco smoke] exposure during fetal development has been suggested in several studies. Recently, a dose-response relationship was reported between postnatal [environmental tobacco smoke] exposure at home and hyperactivity/inattention as well as conduct problems in preschool children.”

To evaluate the association between pre- and postnatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure and pediatric behavioral problems, researchers conducted a cross-sectional study across six cities in France among 5,221 primary school children. Parent questionnaires determined pre- and postnatal environmental tobacco smoke exposure and child behavioral problems were assessed via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

They found that environmental tobacco smoke exposure during pre- and postnatal periods was associated with behavioral problems in children.

Exposure during prenatal and postnatal periods was associated with internalizing problems (OR = 1.72; 955 CI, 1.36-2.17), as was exposure during the postnatal period only (OR = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.12-1.69).

Externalizing problems were associated with environmental tobacco smoke exposure during prenatal and postnatal periods (OR = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.51-2.5) and the postnatal period alone (OR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.17-1.84).

Effect estimates were adjusted for gender, study center, ethnicity, child age, low parental education, current physician-diagnosed asthma, siblings, preterm birth and single parenthood.

“We observed that [environmental tobacco smoke] postnatal exposure, alone or in association with prenatal exposure, increased the risk of emotional and conduct problems in children. Although additional investigation is required, these findings provide further support for anti-smoking programs within families,” the researchers concluded. – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.