Crescimento fetal, tamanho ao nascer e problema de saúde mental aos 11 anos: estudo de coorte de nascimentos de 1993, Pelotas - RS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between fetal growth and size at birth with mental health problems at 11 years of age in the 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Newborns were weighed and measured and calculated anthropometric indexes. At age 11, were assessed mental health problems with the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). The prevalence of mental health problems was 32%. After adjustment for potential confounders, we found that newborns with the z score of weight for age and body mass index (BMI) for age <-2 SD were respectively 27% (95% CI: 7to 49) and 29% (95% CI: 10 to 51) greater risk of developing mental health problems at age 11 than born with normal scores. Newborns with BMI z score for age and head circumference > +2 SD were respectively 34% (95% CI: 6 to 71) and 19% (95% : 1 to 40) greater risk of developing the disease than babies with normal scores. The results suggest that factors occurring during pregnancy that are reflected in measures of size at birth can cause mental health problems in late stages.