Long-term cardiometabolic effects of early institutionalization and foster care: Evidence from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project.
Michelle M J Mens, Ellen Jopling, Megan Hare et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial investigated the long-term cardiometabolic effects of early institutionalization and foster care in 139 young adults (mean age 22.6 years) from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project. Results showed that individuals with a history of institutionalization had poorer lipid metabolism, and those randomized to foster care exhibited higher BMI and waist circumference compared to those in institutional care, indicating ongoing cardiometabolic risks.
Key findings
- Adults with histories of institutionalization had poorer lipid metabolism compared to non-institutionalized controls.
- Foster care participants had increased BMI and waist circumference relative to those in institutional care.
- An accelerated BMI trajectory was linked to the highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome among foster care participants.
Why it matters
Understanding the long-term cardiometabolic risks associated with early institutionalization and foster care is crucial for developing targeted monitoring and intervention strategies for affected individuals, potentially improving their health outcomes.