B3897 - The relationship between maternal psychopathology and offspring incontinence at school age a prospective cohort study - 11/10/2021

B number: 
B3897
Principal applicant name: 
Carol Joinson | IEU, University of Bristol (Wellcome Trust MGLE programme)
Co-applicants: 
Dr Jon Heron, Gemma Sawyer
Title of project: 
The relationship between maternal psychopathology and offspring incontinence at school age: a prospective cohort study
Proposal summary: 

Exposure to maternal anxiety and depression in the antenatal and/or postnatal periods has been linked to an increased risk of adverse child health and developmental outcomes. Attainment of continence is a key developmental milestone in early childhood, and there is evidence that exposure to maternal anxiety and depression increases the risk that offspring will fail to attain continence by primary school age. It is unclear, however, if (i) anxiety and depression have independent effects on offspring incontinence, and (ii) whether the relationship with offspring incontinence is due to exposure to maternal anxiety/depression during the antenatal or postnatal period.

Impact of research: 
An increased understanding of the origins of bladder/bowel problems and potentially modifiable factors in childhood could prevent these problems from becoming chronic and avert secondary impacts on quality of life.
Date proposal received: 
Friday, 8 October, 2021
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 11 October, 2021
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Incontinence, Statistical methods, Development