The Impact of Parental Job Loss During the Great Recession on Children’s Biomarkers: Findings From the Generation XXI Cohort

Erica Reinhard , King's College London / Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam
Ana Isabel Ribeiro, University of Porto, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine, and Public Health
Sílvia Fraga, University of Porto, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine, and Public Health
Emilie Courtin, Harvard University
Henrique Barros, University of Porto, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Predictive Medicine, and Public Health
Mauricio Avendano, King's College London / Harvard University

Emerging evidence suggests recessions have negative impacts on child health. In this study, we aim to detect underlying, biological pathways through which household economic shocks impact health in early life. Using data from the Generation XXI cohort (n=8647), we examine the impact of parental job loss during the Great Recession in Portugal on children’s metabolic, cardiovascular, and stress-related inflammatory biomarkers and anthropometric measures. We find that parental job loss during the recession was associated with a number of metabolic, cardiovascular, and anthropometric outcomes in children, and effects were stronger among girls. These findings suggest that experiencing parental job loss during a period of economic decline may have primarily impacted children through nutrition related pathways. The results highlight the importance of protecting vulnerable families during economic downturns, as they may have lasting consequences for child health.

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 Presented in Session 43. Consequences of Adversity in Childhood and Young Adulthood