Abstract
Abstract Design: A population‐based study of pre‐adoption, arrival and post‐adoption health. Aim: To report prenatal and postnatal background factors, morbidity, growth and development in adoptees from Eastern Europe. Subjects and Methods: All 99 children born in Eastern Europe between 1990 and 1995 and adopted to western Sweden during 1993–1997 were invited to participate in the study. Altogether, 76 (77%) participated. Medical records from the birth countries, from the examination at arrival and from medical reports made during a mean post‐adoption period of 5 years were evaluated. Results: Low birth weight (≤2500 g) occurred in 48%. Congenital malformations were found in 22%. The biological mothers of 33% of the children had been considered alcoholics, and 16% of the children's mothers had been diagnosed with a psychiatric disability. A high incidence of infectious diseases, neurodevelopment disorders and growth retardation had been noted during the pre‐adoption period. Upon arrival in Sweden 75% were diagnosed with a medical condition, most often an infection. After a 5‐year post‐adoption period, small head circumference was associated with alcohol exposure during pregnancy and 46% had at least one neurodevelopment or behavioural disorder. Conclusion: Adverse prenatal and perinatal factors, congenital malformations and post‐adoption neurodevelopment disorders were common. Adoptees and adopters have complex needs for health support and information.
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