Influence of childhood behaviour on the reporting of chronic widespread pain in adulthood: results from the 1958 British Birth Cohort Study

Objectives. To determine whether childhood behaviour is associated with the likelihood of chronic widespread pain (CWP) in adulthood, and any such relationship is mediated through adult psychological distress, using a large population-based birth cohort. Methods. A prospective cohort study (the 1958 British Birth Cohort) was conducted. Participants were enrolled at birth in 1958, and followed up throughout childhood and adulthood. Data on childhood behaviour were collected from parents and teachers. Data regarding pain were collected at the age of 45 years by self-completion questionnaire. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Poisson regression, adjusting for gender, social class in childhood and adulthood, childhood common symptoms and adult psychological distress. Results. CWP was slightly more common in adult females than males (12.9 vs 11.7%). There was an increased likelihood of reporting CWP at the age of 45 years with every unit increase in teacher-reported behaviour score at 16 (RR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02, 1.05), 11(RR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01, 1.03) and 7 years (RR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00, 1.02) of age. Those with scores indicating severe behaviour disturbances at 11 and 16 years of age had an increased likelihood of CWP in adulthood (RR 1.95; 95% CI 1.47, 2.59 and RR 1.69; 95% CI 1.18, 2.42, respectively). The strongest association was seen among those indicating persistent behaviour problems at 7, 11 and 16 years (RR 2.14; 95% CI 1.43, 3.21) of age, compared with those without at all three ages. Similar but slightly weaker associations were shown for parent-reported behaviour. Conclusion. Maladjusted (social) behaviour is associated with increased long-term CWP beyond childhood and adolescence.