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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 4/2008

01-04-2008 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Birth factors and common mental health problems in young adults

A population-based study in North Staffordshire

Authors: Dr. Christian Mallen, MRCGP, MPhil, Sara Mottram, MSc, Dr. Elaine Thomas, PhD

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 4/2008

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Abstract

Background

Birth-related factors have been associated with adult chronic disease. Whilst the potential association between these factors and depression in adulthood was been described rather less is known about the role of these exposures in the development of anxiety.

Method

Cross-sectional population-based survey recruited adults aged 18–25 years. Participants were classified on the basis of responses to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Birth-related exposures were determined by hospital medical record review. A proportional odds model was used to assess associations between birth factors and anxiety and depression.

Results

No significant associations were found between birth factors and anxiety. Significant associations were found between depression with low birth weight (odds ratio 2.88, 95% confidence interval 1.26–6.59) and neonatal admission to ITU (3.12, 1.25, 7.78).

Conclusion

Low birth weight and neonatal intensive care unit admission are significantly associated with depression in adults. Other birth related variables were not significantly associated with either depression or anxiety.
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Metadata
Title
Birth factors and common mental health problems in young adults
A population-based study in North Staffordshire
Authors
Dr. Christian Mallen, MRCGP, MPhil
Sara Mottram, MSc
Dr. Elaine Thomas, PhD
Publication date
01-04-2008
Publisher
D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 4/2008
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-007-0304-y

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