Allergic diseases, including food allergies, atopic eczema, wheezing, asthma and allergic rhinitis, have a complex and multifactorial pathogenesis. The most important risk factor for atopic diseases in children is genetic predisposition, meaning that either or both parents may have any of these conditions. However, each disease has its unique risk factor profile. Research into early-life determinants of atopic diseases has grown considerably, with increasing focus on prenatal influences. The impact of parental psychological stress before and during pregnancy on atopic diseases in children has attracted increasing interest. Evidence to date suggests an association between parental prenatal stress and child adverse health outcomes, although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.
This dissertation focused on two types of parental prenatal stress. First, it examined the impact of maternal psychological stress, symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy, on the development of atopic diseases in children, including food allergies, atopic eczema, wheezing, asthma and sensitisation. Additionally, it explored the impact of paternal adverse childhood experiences on the development of the child's sensitisation and risk of allergic rhinitis. The findings showed that maternal prenatal psychological stress, particularly in late pregnancy, was associated with an elevated risk of infant food allergy, toddler wheezing, as well as asthma and non-atopic asthma at 5 years, but also with a reduced risk of sensitisation. Similarly, paternal adverse childhood experiences were associated with a reduced risk of sensitisation and allergic rhinitis at 5 years of age.
The results of this dissertation suggest that maternal prenatal psychological well-being influences the risk of atopic diseases in children, corroborating previously reported findings. The observed link between paternal adverse childhood experiences and a reduced risk of child sensitisation and allergic rhinitis is novel and represents one of the first studies in this field. Further research, especially on potential causal relationships, is needed.