Mental health in children born with gastroschisis.

BACKGROUND: Children born with gastroschisis face multiple challenges when newborn which may increase the risk of mental health issues. This study assessed the prevalence of mental health difficulties in children with gastroschisis and associated clinical factors. METHOD: Parents of 57 children with gastroschisis aged 3-17 years and 23 children aged 11-17 years from a tertiary pediatric surgical center completed the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a screening instrument for mental health difficulties with four scales focusing on difficulties (Hyperactivity/inattention; Conduct problems; Emotional Symptoms; Peer relationships) and one focusing on strengths (Prosocial behavior). Clinical data were retrieved from medical records. Data was analyzed descriptively and using univariable association analysis. Significance level was considered p < 0.05. RESULT: On child-report, 17.4% and on parent-report, 22.8%, of children with GS had elevated scores on the total difficulties scale of the SDQ. The prevalence of elevated scores on SDQ subscales varied between 13.0 and 30.4% on child-report and 10.5-33.3% on parent-report, with greatest difficulties on the Hyperactivity/Inattention subscale (child-report) and Emotional Symptoms subscale (parent-report). A more complicated postoperative period with infection and bowel ischemia were significantly associated with more difficulties on the Emotional (p = 0.047), Conduct (p = 0.0074), and Hyperactivity/Inattention (p = 0.036) subscales. Children with reports of stomach pain also had more mental health difficulties (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Some children born with GS experience mental health difficulties, particularly following a complicated neonatal period, suggesting a need to screen for mental health issues in the follow-up. However, future multi-centre studies including self- and parent-reported assessments are needed to confirm these findings.