A multivariate study of the effects of high-risk factors on performance on the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale

The Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale was administered to 52 newborn infants. A factor analysis revealed 2 main factors, 1 along an attention-orientation dimension, the other relating to temperament arousal. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that the attention-orientation factor was related to birth weight, age of the mother, and sex and race of the baby. The only variable related to the temperament-arousal factor was 5-min Apgar scor. The study, although exploratory, demonstrates the use of multivariate techniques in the assessment of influences on newborn behavior.