Prenatal maternal psychosocial stress and risk of asthma and allergy in their offspring: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Catherine Flanigan,Aziz Sheikh,Bright I Nwaru

doi:10.1038/npjpcrm.2016.21

Catherine Flanigan, Aziz Sheikh + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/npjpcrm.2016.21

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Abstract

Prenatal maternal psychosocial stress and risk of asthma and allergy in their offspring: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Highlights

Asthma and allergic disorders are of global concern, with asthma estimated to affect 334 million people and 14% of children worldwide.[1,2]
The prevalence of allergic disorders in childhood, such as atopic eczema and allergic rhinitis, varies substantially,[5,6] the prevalence of atopic eczema appears to be increasing in Europe, Asia and Africa.[7]
To better appreciate the underlying evidence base on the role of psychosocial stress in the development of asthma and allergy in the offspring, it is important to undertake a synthesis of primary studies that have emerged on this topic

Summary

BACKGROUND

Asthma and allergic disorders are of global concern, with asthma estimated to affect 334 million people and 14% of children worldwide.[1,2] the prevalence of asthma may have plateaued at ~ 8–12% in some economically developed countries, the global burden remains substantial.[1,3,4] the prevalence of allergic disorders in childhood, such as atopic eczema and allergic rhinitis, varies substantially,[5,6] the prevalence of atopic eczema appears to be increasing in Europe, Asia and Africa.[7]. To better appreciate the underlying evidence base on the role of psychosocial stress in the development of asthma and allergy in the offspring, it is important to undertake a synthesis of primary studies that have emerged on this topic This will provide the opportunity to identify key indicators of psychosocial stress that may influence the risk of asthma and allergy in children and the effects of which may be modified through development of evidence-based and tailored primary prevention interventions. AIMS The aim of the study is to identify, critically appraise and synthesise primary studies investigating the role of maternal prenatal psychosocial stress and adverse life events in the development of asthma and allergy in the offspring

METHODS

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSIONS

Recruitment procedures used

Findings

- Method of assessment outcome: