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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Hallam Hurt, MD, Nancy L. Brodsky, PhD, Elsa Malmud, PhD, and Joan M. Giannetta. Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141, 215-456-6696, hurth@einstein.edu
We have followed a cohort (n=224) of inner-city children of low SES (half with cocaine-exposure [COC] and half without [CON] for the past 12 years (retention=60%). Despite dire predictions regarding outcome of children with in utero cocaine exposure, our results show no startling differences so far between COC and CON on numerous neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes. However, both groups are performing very poorly when compared to test norms, and both groups are experiencing high rates of school failure. Moreover, both groups have a high exposure to violence, and many children are experiencing signs of depression, anxiety and low self esteem. So far, risk-taking behavior is minimal.
The purpose of this presentation is severalfold: 1) to acquaint the audience, through presentation of results from a large database, with outcome of children with in utero cocaine exposure; 2) to familiarize the audience with outcomes and stressors affecting young inner-city children regardless of exposure status; and 3) to define opportunities to improve cognitive outcome and decrease risk-taking behaviors in this vulnerable population.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Einstein Society of the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network