Early precursors of low attention and hyperactivity in a preterm sample at age four
Margaret M McGrath1, Mary Sullivan, Jerilyn Devin
1University of Rhode Island, College of Nursing, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA.
Insights
Low birth weight (LBW) and prematurity are linked to attention and activity issues in children. Early medical and neurological status in toddlers can predict behaviors associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Rising numbers of low birth weight (LBW) survivors prompt investigation into its long-term effects.
- Understanding the association between LBW and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between perinatal factors, toddler medical/neurological status, and ADHD-related behaviors at age 4.
- To identify early markers for ADHD in children with LBW.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 188 infants (39 full term, 149 preterm) categorized by perinatal morbidity.
- Assessment of medical and neurological status at 18 and 30 months.
- Evaluation of attention and activity levels at age 4 using parent and examiner reports.
Main Results:
- Significant associations found between perinatal morbidity, birth weight, gestational age, gender, socioeconomic status, and toddler medical/neurological status with attention and activity levels at age 4.
- Prematurity, perinatal illness, and later medical status were identified as early predictors of ADHD-associated behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal factors and early childhood medical status significantly influence attention and activity levels.
- Early identification of medical and neurological issues in high-risk infants can help predict ADHD-related behaviors.
Abstract:
The increased numbers of low birth weight (LBW) survivors has raised questions about the direct association between LBW and later diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in early childhood. A longitudinal data set was used to determine the relationship among perinatal morbidity and medical and neurological status during the toddler period (18 and 30 months) with lower attention and higher activity, cardinal features of ADHD at age 4. The sample of 39 full term and 149 preterm infants were recruited at birth. Infants were assigned to 1 of 5 groups based on perinatal morbidity. Medical and neurological status were classified as normal, suspect, or abnormal at 18 and 30 months. At age 4, five measures of attention and activity were gathered from parents and independent examiners. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed significant effects of perinatal morbidity, birth weight, gestational age, gender, socioeconomic status at infancy, and toddler medical and neurological status with lower attention and higher activity at age 4. Prematurity, perinatal illness, and later medical status are early markers for preschool behaviors associated with clinical diagnosis of ADHD.
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