Impaired head circumference growth and behavioural problems in childhood: Longitudinal findings from the MINA-Brazil birth cohort

Author(s)

Giacomini, Isabel ; Villamor, Eduardo ; Lourenco, Barbara Hatzlhoffer ; Zhu, Mia ; Seeley, Allison L. ; Matijasevich, Alicia ; Cardoso, Marly Augusto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology; v. N/A, p. 11-pg., 2024-10-04.

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious evidence on the relation between early head circumference (HC) growth and behavioural outcomes in preschoolers has been inconsistent.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate whether HC growth from birth to 5 years of age was related to internalising or externalising behavioural problems at 5 years of age in a sex-specific manner.MethodsAmong 303 girls and 318 boys from the MINA-Brazil birth cohort, we examined the associations between changes in HC from birth to 5 years of age and internalising and externalising behaviour problem scores at 5 years according to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for parents. HC values were transformed into sex- and age-specific z-scores (HCZ) using World Health Organisation standards, and the differences between values at 5 years of age and birth were classified into quintiles. We estimated adjusted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals in behavioural problem scores between HCZ change quintiles using multivariable linear regression by sex. To examine nonlinear associations, we included cubic spline terms.ResultsHead circumference growth from birth to 5 years of age was inversely and nonlinearly associated with internalising problems in girls. Compared with girls at the lowest quintile of HC growth, those above had an adjusted 1.27 (95% confidence interval 0.28, 2.27) points lower mean internalising problems score. This association was mostly driven by HC growth during the first 2 years. We found no association between HC growth and externalising behaviour in either sex.ConclusionsImpaired HC growth was related to higher mean internalising problem scores at 5 years of age in girls but not in boys. HC growth was not associated with externalising problems. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/03400-9 - Head circumference trajectories in early childhood in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre: associated factors and relationship with child development
• Grantee: Isabel Giacomini Marques
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 21/01688-2 - Head circumference trajectory in early childhood in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil: associated factors and relationship with child development
• Grantee: Isabel Giacomini Marques
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 16/00270-6 - MINA study - Maternal and child health in Acre: birth cohort in the Western Brazilian Amazon
• Grantee: Marly Augusto Cardoso
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants