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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Educational and behavioural problems in babies of 32-35 weeks gestation
Summary
Children born moderately preterm (32-35 weeks gestation) often face school and behavioral challenges by age 7. Male sex and extended special care baby unit stays are significant risk factors for these issues.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal studies
- Developmental pediatrics
- Educational psychology
Background:
- Children born between 32 and 35 weeks gestation represent a significant proportion of moderately preterm births.
- Understanding their long-term educational and behavioral outcomes is crucial for targeted support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of school and behavioral problems in children born at 32-35 weeks gestation at age 7.
- To investigate perinatal risk factors associated with these problems.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of children born between 32-35 weeks gestation in Oxfordshire in 1990 was studied.
- Data on health, behavior, and education were collected via questionnaires from general practitioners, parents, and teachers.
- Teachers utilized rating scales and the Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire; perinatal risk factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods.
Main Results:
- Teacher responses were available for 66% of the cohort (n=117).
- Significant proportions experienced difficulties in academic areas (writing 32%, math 29%, reading 21%) and behavior (hyperactivity 19%).
- Late discharge from the special care baby unit (>36 weeks postconceptional age) and male sex were identified as independent perinatal risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Up to one-third of moderately preterm children may encounter school-related issues.
- The findings highlight the need for enhanced educational services for this growing population of children.
