Exposure to Parental Incarceration and C-Reactive Protein Levels Among U.S. Adults

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Background: Research has linked childhood adversity to low-grade inflammation via C-reactive protein levels (CRP) across the life course. We analyzed the association between low-grade inflammation and prior biological parental incarceration, an ever-growing childhood adversity.
Methods: National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (1994-2008) data were analyzed using multinomial-logistic regression models. Measures included high sensitivity CRP (<3 mg/L, 3–10mg/L, and >10 mg/L) and mother or father incarceration occurring in the child’s lifetime (<18 or >18 years vs. never), and frequency of incarceration. Analyses were stratified by child’s gender. Sample sizes for maternal analyses were: male N=5396; female N=6447 and for paternal analyses: male N=4956; female N=5860.
Results: Females whose father was ever incarcerated had a greater odds of having a CRP level between 3–10mg/L versus <3 mg/L than females whose father was never incarcerated (AOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.08-1.91). Additionally, daughter’s age of father incarceration (<18 years) (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.10-1.97) and frequency of father incarceration were significant (AOR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.49). No significant associations were found among the male sample.
Conclusion: History of father incarceration was associated with low-grade inflammation among female adults. Future investigations are needed on the physiological effects of children exposed to parental incarceration.

Authors

• Samantha Jo Boch, Ohio State University

• Jodi L. Ford, Ohio State University