Work

Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Severe Antisocial Behavior in Offspring: A Review

Year: 2002

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Recent research suggests that in utero exposure to maternal smoking is a risk factor for conduct disorder and delinquency. We review evidence of causality, a controversial but important public health question. METHODS: We analyzed studies of maternal prenatal smoking and offspring antisocial behavior within a causal framework. RESULTS: The association is (1) independent of confounders, (2) present across diverse contexts, and (3) consistent with basic science. Methodological limitations of existing studies preclude causal conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Existing evidence provides consistent support for, but not proof of, an etiologic role for prenatal smoking in the onset of antisocial behavior. The possibility of identifying a preventable prenatal risk factor for a serious mental disorder makes further research on this topic important for public health.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.92.6.966

Authors: Lauren S. Wakschlag, Kate E. Pickett, Edwin Cook, Neal L. Benowitz, Bennett L. Leventhal

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, University of Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse