Maternal adverse childhood experiences on child growth and development in rural Pakistan: An observational cohort study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001669
• Publication Date: 2023-10-25T17:29:11Z
• Authors: Esther O. Chung; Elissa Scherer; Katherine LeMasters; Lisa Bates; Ashley Hagaman; Brooke S. Staley; Lauren C. Zalla; Siham Sikander; Joanna Maselko
• Keywords: Socioemotional selectivity theory; Toddler; Child Development; Physical abuse; Child neglect

Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have significant impacts on the next generation with links to negative birth outcomes, impaired cognitive development, and increased socioemotional problems in children. However, not all types or levels of adversity are similarly deleterious research from diverse contexts is needed better understand why how intergenerational transmission occurs. We examined role maternal ACEs children’s growth, cognitive, development at 36 months postpartum rural Pakistan. used data 877 mother-child dyads Bachpan Cohort, a cohort study. were captured using an adapted version ACE-International Questionnaire. Outcomes age included child growth WHO z-scores, fine motor receptive language assessed Bayley Scales Infant Toddler Development, behavioral measured Ages Stages Questionnaire: Socioemotional Strengths Difficulties To estimate associations between we multivariable generalized linear models inverse probability weights account for sampling loss follow-up. Over half mothers our sample (58%) experienced least one ACE. Emotional abuse, physical emotional neglect most commonly reported ACEs. found null relationships number growth. associated higher worse outcomes. ACE domains had varying Our findings highlight complexity development. Further work necessary examine these across cultural identify moderating factors mitigate potential effects.