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High-risk preterm infants at 3 years of age: parental response to the presence of developmental problems
C Huber1, D Holditch-Davis, D Brandon
1Clinical Center for the Study of Development and Learning, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599.
Insights
Premature infants born under 1,500g or requiring mechanical ventilation showed few major disabilities by age 3. However, many had developmental and behavioral concerns, with families often not utilizing early intervention services.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Developmental pediatrics
- Child psychology
Background:
- Premature infants and those requiring mechanical ventilation face unique developmental challenges.
- Early intervention services are crucial for mitigating potential long-term difficulties in at-risk children.
- Understanding service utilization is key to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the 3-year developmental status of very low birth weight or mechanically ventilated infants.
- To examine family utilization patterns of early intervention services in this cohort.
- To identify barriers to accessing crucial developmental support.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 24 infants born prematurely (<1,500g) or requiring mechanical ventilation.
- Developmental assessment at 3 years of age.
- Analysis of family engagement with early intervention referrals.
Main Results:
- A low incidence of major disabling conditions was observed.
- A high prevalence of developmental, mild cognitive, and behavioral concerns was identified.
- Significant underutilization of early intervention services was noted among families, despite identified risks.
Conclusions:
- Very low birth weight and ventilated infants exhibit subtle but significant developmental and behavioral issues.
- Effective family follow-through on early intervention referrals is lacking.
- Addressing barriers to service utilization is critical to prevent future school difficulties.
Abstract:
In this article we describe developmental status at 3 years and family utilization of early intervention services of 24 children who were born prematurely and weighed less than 1,500 g or who required mechanical ventilation at birth. Findings indicated (a) a low rate of major disabling conditions; (b) a high rate of developmental, mild cognitive, and behavioral concerns; and (c) a lack of family follow-through on referrals for early intervention services for potentially responsive children, even though the concerns put the children at risk for school difficulties.