Accumulation of adverse childhood events and overweight in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Issue 5 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elsenburg, Leonie K.; van Wijk, Kim J. E.; Liefbroer, Aart C.; Smidt, Nynke
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 25:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 820
• Page End: 832
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.21797
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: This study systematically summarizes the evidence of all observational studies investigating the relation between accumulation of adverse life events and measures of overweight in children <18 years. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were systematically searched (last search date 18 February 2015). The Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale was used for methodological quality assessment. Study estimates were pooled using a random‐effects model, and sources of heterogeneity were explored (PROSPERO registration number CRD42014014927). Results: Eighteen articles were included, containing five longitudinal ( n = 6, 361) and fourteen cross‐sectional and case‐control study results ( n = 52, 318). The pooled estimate of the longitudinal studies showed that accumulation of adverse life events is positively related to childhood overweight measures (OR [95% CI] = 1.12 [1.01‐1.25]). Cross‐sectional and case‐control study results were heterogeneous. Subgroup analyses showed that cross‐sectional and case‐control studies using a continuous adverse events measure, studies using a continuous overweight measure, and studies in children >6‐12 years also generated positive pooled estimates, while the pooled estimate of studies assessing recent adverse events (past 2 years) was indicative of no relation with overweight. Conclusions: Accumulation of adverse life events and childhood overweight measures are positively associated. However, increases in overweight measures in response to adverse childhood events do not seem to occur instantaneously.