Y Liu1, S Kaaya2, J Chai3, D C McCoy4, P J Surkan5, M M Black6, A-L Sutter-Dallay7, H Verdoux8, M C Smith-Fawzi1. 1. Department of Global Health and Social Medicine,Harvard Medical School,Boston MA,USA. 2. School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences,Dar es Salaam,Tanzania. 3. Department of Global Health and Population,Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health,Boston MA,USA. 4. Graduate School of Education, Harvard University,Cambridge MA,USA. 5. Department of International Health,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health,Baltimore MD,USA. 6. Department of Pediatrics,University of Maryland School of Medicine,Baltimore MD,USA. 7. Univ. Bordeaux,U1219, F-33000 Bordeaux,France. 8. INSERM,U1219, F-33000 Bordeaux,France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous findings have been mixed regarding the relationship between maternal depressive symptoms and child cognitive development. The objective of this study was to systematically review relevant literature and to perform a meta-analysis. METHOD: Three electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO) were searched. Initial screening was conducted independently by two reviewers. Studies selected for detailed review were read in full and included based on a set of criteria. Data from selected studies were abstracted onto a standardized form. Meta-analysis using the inverse variance approach and random-effects models was conducted. RESULTS: The univariate analysis of 14 studies revealed that maternal depressive symptoms are related to lower cognitive scores among children aged ⩽56 months (Cohen's d = -0.25, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.12). The synthesis of studies controlling for confounding variables showed that the mean cognitive score for children 6-8 weeks post-partum whose mothers had high depressive symptoms during the first few weeks postpartum was approximately 4.2 units lower on the Mental Developmental Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID) compared with children with non-symptomatic mothers (B̂ = -4.17, 95% CI -8.01 to -0.32). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that maternal depressive symptoms are related to lower cognitive scores in early infancy, after adjusting for confounding factors. An integrated approach for supporting child cognitive development may include program efforts that promote maternal mental health in addition to family economic wellbeing, responsive caregiving, and child nutrition.
BACKGROUND: Previous findings have been mixed regarding the relationship between maternal depressive symptoms and child cognitive development. The objective of this study was to systematically review relevant literature and to perform a meta-analysis. METHOD: Three electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO) were searched. Initial screening was conducted independently by two reviewers. Studies selected for detailed review were read in full and included based on a set of criteria. Data from selected studies were abstracted onto a standardized form. Meta-analysis using the inverse variance approach and random-effects models was conducted. RESULTS: The univariate analysis of 14 studies revealed that maternal depressive symptoms are related to lower cognitive scores among children aged ⩽56 months (Cohen's d = -0.25, 95% CI -0.39 to -0.12). The synthesis of studies controlling for confounding variables showed that the mean cognitive score for children 6-8 weeks post-partum whose mothers had high depressive symptoms during the first few weeks postpartum was approximately 4.2 units lower on the Mental Developmental Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID) compared with children with non-symptomatic mothers (B̂ = -4.17, 95% CI -8.01 to -0.32). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that maternal depressive symptoms are related to lower cognitive scores in early infancy, after adjusting for confounding factors. An integrated approach for supporting child cognitive development may include program efforts that promote maternal mental health in addition to family economic wellbeing, responsive caregiving, and child nutrition.
Authors: R Wesselhoeft; K Davidsen; C Sibbersen; H Kyhl; A Talati; M S Andersen; N Bilenberg Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2020-09-29 Impact factor: 4.328
Authors: Matthew Bluett-Duncan; M Thomas Kishore; Divya M Patil; Veena A Satyanarayana; Helen Sharp Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-06-25 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Jane E Schreiber; Joanna C M Cole; Amy J Houtrow; Michael J Kallan; Elizabeth A Thom; Lori J Howell; N Scott Adzick Journal: Fetal Diagn Ther Date: 2021-06-28 Impact factor: 2.208