Dataset Information

Prenatal stress and child development: A scoping review of research in low- and middle-income countries.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Past research has shown relationships between stress during pregnancy, and related psychosocial health measures such as anxiety and depressive symptoms, with infant, child, and adult outcomes. However, most research is from high-income countries. We conducted a scoping review to identify research studies on prenatal stress and outcomes of the pregnancy or offspring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and to synthesize the stress measures and outcomes assessed, the findings observed, and directions for future research.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO for English-language abstracts published from Jan 1960-Jan 2017. Search terms were related to stress and psychosocial health; pregnancy; infant or child development; and LMICs.

Results

48 articles were identified. Sixty percent of studies were in upper-middle, 25% in lower-middle, and 15% in low income countries. Most studies used questionnaires, either existing or tailor-made, to assess stress. Eight assessed cortisol. Most studies (n = 31) assessed infant outcomes at birth, particularly gestational age or preterm birth (n = 22, 12 showing significant relationships), and birthweight (n = 21, 14 showing significant relationships). Five studies analyzed outcomes later in infancy such as temperament and motor development, all showing significant results; and nine in childhood such as behavioral development, asthma, and physical growth, with eight showing significant results.

Conclusions

Results highlight the importance of prenatal stress on infant and child outcomes in LMICs. Methods used in high-income countries are successfully employed in LMICs, but tailored tools remain necessary. Careful assessment of covariates is needed to foster analyses of interactive effects and pathways. Studies including longer-term follow-up should be prioritized.

SUBMITTER: Buffa G

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6310253 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Prenatal stress and child development: A scoping review of research in low- and middle-income countries.

Buffa Giavana G Dahan Salomé S Sinclair Isabelle I St-Pierre Myriane M Roofigari Noushin N Mutran Dima D Rondeau Jean-Jacques JJ Dancause Kelsey Needham KN

PloS one 20181228 12

<h4>Introduction</h4>Past research has shown relationships between stress during pregnancy, and related psychosocial health measures such as anxiety and depressive symptoms, with infant, child, and adult outcomes. However, most research is from high-income countries. We conducted a scoping review to identify research studies on prenatal stress and outcomes of the pregnancy or offspring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and to synthesize the stress measures and outcomes assessed, the f ...[more]

PMID: 30592715

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Dataset Information

Prenatal stress and child development: A scoping review of research in low- and middle-income countries.

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Prenatal stress and child development: A scoping review of research in low- and middle-income countries.

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