National origin and behavioural problems of toddlers: the role of family risk factors and maternal immigration characteristics

Abstract

In many societies the prevalence of behavioural problems in school-aged children varies by national origin. We examined the association between national origin and behavioural problems in 1½-year-old children. Data on maternal national origin and the Child Behavior Checklist for toddlers (n = 4943) from a population-based cohort in the Netherlands were used. Children from various non-Dutch backgrounds all had a significantly higher mean behavioural problem score. After adjustment for family risk factors, like family income and maternal psychopathology, the differences attenuated, but remained statistically significant. Non-Dutch mothers with immigration risk factors, such as older age at immigration or no good Dutch language skills, reported significantly more behavioural problems in their offspring. In conclusion, the present study indicated more behavioural problems in immigrant toddlers from various backgrounds. Researchers and policymakers aiming to tackle disparities in behavioural problems should take into account that risks associated with national origin are intertwined with unfavourable family and immigration characteristics.

Fig. 1

a Unadjusted association between immigration risk index^a in Europeans and CBCL Total Problems, b Adjusted association^b between immigration risk index^a in Europeans and CBCL Total Problems. Values indicate differences in mean Total problems score between Dutch toddlers (reference) and toddlers of European or non-Western origin divided by their amount of immigration risks (0 and 5). ^aBased on table 5, the following categories of immigration characteristics were labelled as ‘risk’: 1st generation, ≥16 years at immigration, no good Dutch language skills, feeling part of only own or of neither Dutch nor own national culture, and not agreeing with statement ‘feels accepted by Dutch natives’. ^bAdjusted for gender, age child, gestational age, birth weight, parity, marital status, family income, smoking during pregnancy, and maternal age, education, and psychopathology

Fig. 2

a Unadjusted association between immigration risk index^a in non-Westerns and CBCL Total problems, b Adjusted^b association between immigration risk index^a in non-Westerns and CBCL Total problems. Values indicate differences in mean Total problems score between Dutch toddlers (reference) and toddlers of European or non-Western origin divided by their amount of immigration risks (0 and 5). ^aBased on table 5, the following categories of immigration characteristics were labelled as ‘risk’: 1st generation, ≥16 years at immigration, no good Dutch language skills, feeling part of only own or of neither Dutch nor own national culture, and not agreeing with statement ‘feels accepted by Dutch natives’. ^bAdjusted for gender, age child, gestational age, birth weight, parity, marital status, family income, smoking during pregnancy, and maternal age, education, and psychopathology