Hair Steroid Concentration Before and After the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Preschoolers: The Moderating Effect of Family Characteristics

    February 2024 in “ Psychoneuroendocrinology ”
    Estelle Berger, Estelle Berger, Marie‐Pier Larose, France Capuano, Marie‐Josée Letarte, Marie‐Claude Geoffroy, Sonia Lupien, Mara Brendgen, Michel Boivin, Frank Vitaro, Benoı̂t Mâsse, Richard E. Tremblay, Sylvana Côté, Isabelle Ouellet‐Morin
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    TLDR The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly change stress levels in preschoolers, but higher-income families' children showed higher stress.
    This study investigated hair steroid concentrations in 136 preschoolers (2-4 years) before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, examining the potential moderating effects of family characteristics. Hair samples were collected in November 2019 and June 2020, and family-related stress factors were assessed through parent questionnaires. The results showed no significant changes in hair steroid levels overall. However, a moderation effect of family income was observed for the HCC-HCNC ratio, indicating higher stress in children from higher-income families. Additionally, DHEA levels were higher in boys and lower in children from higher-income families. The study provides limited evidence of persistent changes in stress biomarkers in preschoolers during the early months of the pandemic.
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