BACKGROUND: A non-optimal foetal environment, reflected in smaller birth size and shorter duration of gestation, is a risk factor for compromised health later in life. AIMS: To examine whether smaller birth size and shorter gestation predict depressive symptoms. METHOD: A total of 1371 members of a cohort born between 1934 and 1944 at term (259-294 days'gestation) in Helsinki, Finland, completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D) at an average age of 61.5 years (BDI) and 63.4 years (BDI and CES-D). RESULTS: Gestational length predicted depressive symptoms linearly and independently of gender and birth weight: per day decrease in gestational length, depressive symptoms scores increased by 0.8-0.9% (95% CI 0.2-1.4, P<0.009). Weight, length and head circumference at birth showed no linear association with depression, adjusted for gender and gestational length. The results did not change when further controlled for socio-economic characteristics at birth and in adulthood, age and body mass index in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: Susceptibility to depressive symptoms may relate to shorter length of gestation.
BACKGROUND: A non-optimal foetal environment, reflected in smaller birth size and shorter duration of gestation, is a risk factor for compromised health later in life. AIMS: To examine whether smaller birth size and shorter gestation predict depressive symptoms. METHOD: A total of 1371 members of a cohort born between 1934 and 1944 at term (259-294 days'gestation) in Helsinki, Finland, completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D) at an average age of 61.5 years (BDI) and 63.4 years (BDI and CES-D). RESULTS: Gestational length predicted depressive symptoms linearly and independently of gender and birth weight: per day decrease in gestational length, depressive symptoms scores increased by 0.8-0.9% (95% CI 0.2-1.4, P<0.009). Weight, length and head circumference at birth showed no linear association with depression, adjusted for gender and gestational length. The results did not change when further controlled for socio-economic characteristics at birth and in adulthood, age and body mass index in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: Susceptibility to depressive symptoms may relate to shorter length of gestation.
Authors: Farnaz Sabet; Linda M Richter; Paul G Ramchandani; Alan Stein; Maria A Quigley; Shane A Norris Journal: Int J Epidemiol Date: 2009-05-11 Impact factor: 7.196
Authors: Robin M Whyatt; Jennifer J Adibi; Antonia M Calafat; David E Camann; Virgina Rauh; Hari K Bhat; Frederica P Perera; Howard Andrews; Allan C Just; Lori Hoepner; Deliang Tang; Russ Hauser Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2009-12 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Johan G Eriksson; Clive Osmond; Mia-Maria Perälä; Minna K Salonen; Mika Simonen; Pertti Pohjolainen; Eero Kajantie; Taina Rantanen; Mikaela B von Bonsdorff Journal: Age (Dordr) Date: 2015-10-24