Objective
The aim of this study was to examine how prenatal drug exposure (PDE) and caregiving
environment relate to cognitive, academic, and behavioral performance at ages 6 and
7.
Methods
A longitudinal follow-up was conducted of 111 children with PDE and a community cohort
of 62 non–drug-exposed children (N = 173). Children completed standardized tests of
cognition (Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fourth Edition [SB-IV]) and academic
performance (Wide Range Achievement Test 3). Caregivers completed ratings of child
behavior problems (Child Behavior Checklist [CBCL]). Multivariate analyses were conducted,
adjusting for gender, prenatal tobacco exposure, number of caregiver placement changes,
and 3 caregiver variables assessed at age 7, including depressive symptoms, employment
status, and public assistance status.
Results
After adjusting for perinatal and environmental variables, there were no significant
exposure-group differences in cognition, academic performance, or behavior problems.
In comparison with males, females had higher scores on overall IQ and 4 of 8 SB-IV
subtests, fewer caregiver-reported attention and aggression problems, and higher reading
achievement scores. There were no significant gender-by-group interactions.
Conclusion
When analyses were adjusted for perinatal and environmental variables, most associations
between PDE and cognitive-behavioral functioning were attenuated. Regardless of drug
exposure history, males performed more poorly than females on multiple cognitive-behavioral
indices. Both exposed and nonexposed children were from low-income families and obtained
scores substantially below normative expectations.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 14, 2008
Accepted:
February 6,
2008
Received:
October 12,
2007
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
