Intergenerational continuity of parent-child separation: implications for child allergies and total IgE in China.

BACKGROUND

The effects of parent-child separation (PCS) are a hot topic in pediatrics, but studies involving the "double hit" of PCS across generations are scarce.

METHODS

Within 2279 parent-offspring dyads, the PCS was defined as separated from parents for > 6 months/year early in life, and the intergenerational continuity of PCS means the two generations both experienced PCS, whereas discontinuity refers to just one generation exposed only. Clinical diagnoses or ISAAC-based allergies were reported by caregivers. Capillary blood was collected from children to assess total immunoglobulin E (tIgE).

RESULTS

Among 2279 parent-offspring dyads, 477 (20.9%) experienced intergenerational continuity of PCS, and 1028 (42.9%) discontinuity. Allergies occurred in 38.0% of the preschoolers. Both intergenerational continuity and children-only exposure were associated with allergies (all P < 0.05). Intergenerational continuity of PCS, in particular, was associated with the highest risk of allergies (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.52-2.95) and the highest tIgE levels (β = 134.18, 95% CI: 8.11-260.25), compared with children without intergenerational PCS. Notably, paternal transmission appears to show a comparatively more substantial association than maternal transmission.

CONCLUSION

The cumulative associations of PCS across generations with allergies and tIgE are consistent with the need to address the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.

IMPACT: Parent-child separation was associated with allergies. Parent-child separation may show cumulative patterns across generations, especially, intergenerational continuity of parent-child separation was associated with the highest risk of allergies and the highest levels of total immunoglobulin E. The association of paternal transmission appeared to be stronger than maternal. The clinicians may consider prioritizing allergy screening for children with the experience of intergenerational continuity of parent-child separation. The findings highlight the need to break the intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.