Association between malaria in pregnancy and children’s socio-emotional development at 6 years of age in Benin: a prospective mother–child cohort
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: In 2023, 12.7 million women were exposed to malaria during pregnancy (MiP), mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. MiP is linked to adverse birth outcomes and cognitive deficits in children, but its association with socio-emotional development remains unclear. This study examines associations between MiP-at any time, specific time points, and by infection frequency-and children's socio-emotional development at 6 years. METHODS: Data derive from the MiPPAD clinical trial, the nested APEC study, and the EXPLORE follow-up at 6 years. Assessments were conducted in three health centers in the Allada district of Benin. MiPPAD enrollment occurred between 2010 and 2012. A total of 477 mother-child dyads had data on MiP and socio-emotional outcomes, and 451 on ADHD symptoms. Unadjusted and multivariate linear regressions examined associations between MiP and children's outcomes, adjusting for maternal and household characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 53% of women had at least one episode of MiP or at birth. After adjustment, MiP was not significantly associated with children's total SDQ difficulties (β = -0.01, 95% CI: -0.97, 0.94), internalizing (β = 0.10, 95% CI: -0.42, 0.61), externalizing (β = -0.11, 95% CI: -0.75, 0.53), nor ADHD symptoms (β = 0.23, 95% CI: -0.26, 0.72) at 6 years. No associations were found for placental malaria, infection timing nor infection frequency after adjustment. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, in which all women received IPTp, we found no evidence of an association between MiP and children's socio-emotional difficulties or ADHD symptoms at 6 years. Small effects cannot be excluded. Future studies should assess earlier stages to identify transient effects and potential protective factors (e.g. home environment and schooling).
Language: English
Topic: Malaria Research and Control
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,900
OpenAlex ID: W7223114161