TABLE 4.
Associations between timing of paracetamol exposure 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 | |||||
| Paracetamol use in 1st trimester | No | 23 706 | 7.4 | 1.00 (Reference) | 1.00 (Reference) |
| Yes | 8383 | 7.6 | 1.03 (0.94, 1.12) | 0.98 (0.88, 1.08) | |
| Paracetamol use in 2nd/3rd trimesterb | No | 17 317 | 7.4 | 1.00 (Reference) | 1.00 (Reference) |
| Yes | 6389 | 7.4 | 1.00 (0.90, 1.10) | 0.97 (0.86, 1.10) | |
| Externalising problems | |||||
| Paracetamol use in 1st trimester | No | 23 632 | 9.7 | 1.00 (Reference) | 1.00 (Reference) |
| Yes | 8352 | 10.3 | 1.06 (0.99, 1.14) | 0.99 (0.91, 1.08) | |
| Paracetamol use in 2nd/3rd trimesterb | No | 17 283 | 9.4 | 1.00 (Reference) | 1.00 (Reference) |
| Yes | 6349 | 10.5 | 1.12 (1.02, 1.21) | 1.09 (0.98, 1.20) | |
| Internalising problems | |||||
| Paracetamol use in 1st trimester | No | 23 859 | 10.0 | 1.00 (Reference) | 1.00 (Reference) |
| Yes | 8411 | 11.1 | 1.10 (1.02, 1.19) | 0.99 (0.91, 1.07) | |
| Paracetamol use in 2nd/3rdtrimesterb | No | 17 446 | 9.8 | 1.00 (Reference) | 1.00 (Reference) |
| Yes | 6413 | 10.5 | 1.06 (0.98, 1.16) | 1.05 (0.95, 1.16) | |
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.
b
Paracetamol use in 2nd and/or 3rd trimester, but not in 1st trimester.