Li Qi

School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University

Abstract：

Background Gestational depression (GD) threatens maternal-offspring health. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ubiquitous bioaccumulative pollutants, pose high risks to pregnant individuals. While PFAS are linked to depression in the general population, prenatal PFAS-GD research is scarce, creating an evidence gap. Method Using 2005–2018 NHANES data of 114 pregnant women, we applied the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model to analyze the overall effect of PFAS mixture on GD risk, with additional single-compound, interaction, and dose-response analyses. Result PFAS mixed exposure showed a positive trend with GD; PFHxS-PFDA co-exposure had a modest trend. A dose-dependent positive correlation existed between PFAS exposure and GD. Wide confidence intervals reflected limitations from small sample size or inadequate confounding adjustment. Conclusion Preliminary evidence supports a dose-dependent positive prenatal PFAS-GD association. Future research requires complementary models to clarify single-compound effects, with significant public health implications for maternal-child health.  

Key Words：

PFAS; gestational depression; BKMR; NHANES