Influence of Mode of Delivery on Children’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Childhood Intelligence

Abstract

Objective To investigate whether differences exist in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intelligence between children born by cesarean delivery and those born by vaginal delivery.Methods This retrospective study included singleton children that were born between January 2013 and December 2014. The Chinese version of the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale–Revised (CPRS-48) was required on the probability of psychological and behavioral problems. The China–Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WIRS) was used for evaluation of crystallized intelligence and Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices for evaluation of fluid intelligence.Results A total of 10,568 valid questionnaires were obtained. CPRS-48 ADHD index and detection rate were higher in cesarean delivery group than those in vaginal delivery group. Cesarean delivery groups had a lower performance intelligence quotient score according to C-WISC.Conclusion Children born by cesarean delivery were more likely to have a risk of ADHD and a lower performance intelligence quotient compared with those born by vaginal delivery.