A longitudinal study of learning difficulties in adolescence and biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk in adulthood: A gendered pathways approach

Objectives

Little is known about the relationship between learning difficulties (LD) in adolescence and physical health in adulthood. This study investigates the gender-specific pathways through which LD is longitudinally associated with cardiometabolic risk in adulthood.

Study design

We used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 11,342). To assess cardiometabolic risk, 11 biomarkers related to cardiovascular functioning, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and inflammation were utilized.

Methods

We first estimated the association between LD in adolescence and cardiometabolic risk in adulthood. Then, we examined whether this association is mediated by educational attainment and body mass index (BMI). Finally, we employed a moderated mediation model to determine whether gender moderates these mediation patterns.

Results

LD in adolescence was positively associated with cardiometabolic risk in adulthood (b = 0.165, p < 0.001). LD also predicted lower educational attainment (b = −0.724, p < 0.001) and higher BMI (b = 0.589, p < 0.05). Educational attainment and BMI explained 18 and 25 percent of the positive association between LD and cardiometabolic risk, respectively. A moderated mediation model revealed that indirect effects of LD on cardiometabolic risk via educational attainment and BMI were more pronounced among women than men.

Conclusion

LD in adolescence is a significant predictor of cardiometabolic risk in adulthood. Interventions focusing on the academic and health behaviors of girls with LD may be effective in improving their adult physical health.