TABLE 2.
Associations between duration of paracetamol exposure during pregnancy and communication and behavioural problems in preschool-aged children
| Communication and behavioural problemsa | Total n | Percentage with outcome | Unadjusted RR (95% CI) | Adjusted RR (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication problems | ||||
| Never user | 17 317 | 7.4 | 1.00 (Reference) | 1.00 (Reference) |
| Paracetamol use in one trimester | 8180 | 7.4 | 1.00 (0.91, 1.09) | 0.98 (0.88, 1.09) |
| Paracetamol use in two trimesters | 4835 | 7.4 | 1.00 (0.89, 1.11) | 0.85 (0.73, 1.00) |
| Paracetamol use in three trimesters | 1757 | 8.5 | 1.15 (0.98, 1.35) | 1.18 (0.86, 1.60) |
| Externalising problems | ||||
| Never user | 17 283 | 9.4 | 1.00 (Reference) | 1.00 (Reference) |
| Paracetamol use in one trimester | 8136 | 10.1 | 1.08 (1.00, 1.17) | 1.03 (0.95, 1.14) |
| Paracetamol use in two trimesters | 4823 | 10.0 | 1.06 (0.97, 1.17) | 1.00 (0.87, 1.14) |
| Paracetamol use in three trimesters | 1742 | 12.5 | 1.33 (1.17, 1.52) | 1.22 (0.93, 1.60) |
| Internalising problems | ||||
| Never user | 17 446 | 9.8 | 1.00 (Reference) | 1.00 (Reference) |
| Paracetamol use in one trimester | 8213 | 10.7 | 1.09 (1.01, 1.18) | 1.03 (0.95, 1.13) |
| Paracetamol use in two trimesters | 4857 | 10.3 | 1.04 (0.95, 1.15) | 0.92 (0.81, 1.05) |
| Paracetamol use in three trimesters | 1754 | 12.7 | 1.29 (1.13, 1.47) | 1.36 (1.02, 1.80) |
Note: Adjusted estimates are weighted with combined weights (IPTW × IPCW).
Abbreviations: RR, relative risk; CI, confidence interval.
a
Communication skills were assessed by the ASQ and behaviour problems by the CBCL.