Objective
The objective was to examine the specifity of the association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and child behaviour problems.
Method
In a prospective longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 362 children at risk, parental tobacco use, cognitive and socioemotional development of the child and characteristics of the family environment were assessed.
Results
About a quarter of mothers reported regular tobacco use during pregnancy. Children in this group exhibited enhanced rates of ADHD. This association held even after adjustment for a number of covariates.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that maternal smoking during pregnancy may represent an independent risk factor for ADHD in the offspring.