Health Status of Children Exposed to the Chernobyl Accident In Utero: Observations in 1989–2003 and the Implications for Prioritizing Prophylactic Programs

Abstract

To elucidate the health effects of exposure in utero to the Chernobyl accident, we compared the health status of 406 children (201 boys and 205 girls) born from women pregnant at the time of the accident (exposed group), and 406 children matched for gender and year of birth (control group) born from mothers who had been living in the same district of Kiev as mothers of the exposed group since before the accident, on the basis of biennial checkup results from 1989 through 2003. Prevalence was significantly higher in the exposed group than in the control group in bronchitis, liver system disorders, and stomach disorders observed in 1995– 2003 and in vegetative nervous system disorder and cardiovascular disorders observed in 1997–2003. The prevalence of neurotic disorders was significantly higher in the exposed group than in the control group in 1989–1997; it increased dramatically until 1993, then decreased dramatically in 1995–1997, and the difference diminished in effect in 1999–2003. The results of the present study suggest the effectiveness of the massive psychosocial support programs launched in 1993 by national and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) for those exposed in utero as a “social target group.” People exposed in utero are still in need of prophylactic intervention with the emphasis on bronchitis, stomach disorders, liver system disorders, cardiovascular disorders, and vegetative nervous system disorder.