Limited validity of parental recall on pregnancy, birth, and early childhood at child age 10 years

ObjectiveEvidence on the validity of parental recall of early childhood behavior is lacking. Our aim was to examine the validity of parental recall at child age 10–12 years for maternal lifestyle during pregnancy, the birth characteristics, and early childhood behavior.Study Design and SettingThe study population comprised 2,230 children and their parents. Children aged 10–12 years were recruited from elementary schools (response: 76.0%). Parents were asked to recall lifestyle during pregnancy, birth characteristics, and childhood behavior at age 4–6 years. Recalled data were compared with information registered by Preventive Child Healthcare (PCH) from birth onwards.ResultsFor birth weight and gestational age, we found no systematic difference between recalled and PCH-registered data; 95% limits of agreement were ±1.2 pounds (600 g) and ±2.4 weeks, respectively. For maternal alcohol use during pregnancy and early childhood behavior problems, Cohen's kappas were low (0.03–0.11). Compared with PCH registration, parents tended to overreport at age 10–12 years. In contrast, kappa was high for maternal smoking during pregnancy (0.77).ConclusionRetrospectively collected information on lifestyle during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood behavior is sometimes biased, which limits its value in estimating the contribution of early-life adversity to health in later life.