An exploratory analysis of the relationship between paternal age at pregnancy and difficulties symptomatic of specific learning disorders among Japanese undergraduate students

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  • Ohmi Hiroki
    Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Nayoro City University, Japan Health and Welfare Center, Nayoro City University, Japan
  • Muranaka Hiromi
    Health and Welfare Center, Nayoro City University, Japan
  • Hirano Haruko
    Health and Welfare Center, Nayoro City University, Japan
  • Miyazaki Yachiyo
    Health and Welfare Center, Nayoro City University, Japan
  • Akanuma Misato
    Health and Welfare Center, Nayoro City University, Japan
  • Ogino Daisuke
    Department of Liberal Arts Education, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Nayoro City University, Japan
  • Meadows Martin
    Department of Liberal Arts Education, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Nayoro City University, Japan

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Abstract

<p>Objective: Causes and risk factors of neurodevelopmental disorders originate in the prenatal and perinatal periods. Several studies have demonstrated a relationship between prenatal and perinatal medical records, including maternal and paternal age at pregnancy, and the neurodevelopmental disorders, especially attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. However, previous studies showed an association between specific learning disorders and environmental toxins such as lead and tobacco smoke, but not parental age.</p><p>Patients and Methods: This study included 993 university freshmen, and their prenatal and perinatal medical data was collected from maternal and child handbooks. A mental health assessment questionnaire consisting of 24 items covering symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders was administered, corresponding to aspects of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and learning disorders. The relationship between prenatal and perinatal medical data and questionnaire results was statistically analyzed.</p><p>Results: The number of available records was 881 (88.7%). Using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis and trend analysis, a weak but statistically significant relationship was confirmed between paternal age at pregnancy and the score for learning disorder difficulties.</p><p>Conclusion: Error accumulation in meiosis during spermatogenesis may be one of the risk factors of learning disorders.</p>

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